Lone Star Flight Museum

• Marshall Altom
• November 1, 2022
• Marshall Altom

The post Lone Star Flight Museum appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

• Marshall Altom
• June 30, 2021

The post The Dr. Seuss Experience appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Are you bored to death? Then we have just the place for you to visit. Just a little north of Houston in the FM 1960 area is the National Museum of Funeral History. This museum has a plethora of history and cool facts about funerals and caskets, along with the ability to see other cultures’ ways of dealing with death. 

History is rampant throughout the museum. There are different models and styles of hearses and modes of transportation for families, including a 1916 funeral bus that would hold a coffin, pallbearers, and 20 mourners. It was decommissioned from a San Francisco funeral home after an accident where the bus flipped due to the amount of weight on the back of the bus. Another section of hearses shows sleds used to transport coffins. One of the things noticeable throughout the different variations of hearses is the difference in size. This comes from the fact that in the early 1900s, many funeral homes would run their hearses as ambulances. It was easy to convert the vehicles from hearse to ambulance by removing the panels. After the panels are removed the “ambulance” would transport the injured or ill person to the local hospital. 

One exhibit in the museum focuses on Presidential Funerals. It has replicas of presidential caskets on display. There is a lot of history in this exhibit, including the schedule of Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train stops. His train made 12 stops from April 15th, 1865 to May 4th, 1865. This exhibit also houses the Presidential Funeral Hearse that was used for Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford. A new part of this exhibit is the section dedicated to George H.W. Bush. 

One section of the museum is about the Rite of Papal Death. It walks you through what happens when a Pope passes away. From the viewing of the Pope to the internment, each step is described. You can even learn a bit more history, including the origin of how the Swiss Guard became personal bodyguards for the Pope. There is even an exact replica of Pope John Paul II’s Burial Crypt.

While history is present, another thing to be mindful of is the variety of cultures represented in the museum. You will see different styles of hearses from the USA, Japan, Mexico, and so many more. The museum talks about ancient mummification rituals, The Day of the Dead, a Japanese funeral process and even Ghana’s funeral process. Be mindful that, even though some of these traditions may seem odd to you, yours might seem odd to another person from a different culture. 

In another room of the museum is a huge array of beautifully painted and sculpted coffins. These coffins are typical in Ghana and have a deep meaning. These burial containers are depicted as items or animals. Some of these coffins are shaped like: 

• A crab, which is considered to be powerful and (since it is water-based) would be often selected by a fisherman. 
• A fish eagle, which is intended for a keen eye or hunter’s instinct. The eagle is also a symbol of carrying the occupant upward. 
• A lobster again would be a choice of a fisherman but is the most intricate and artistic on display. 
• A leopard, which would be chosen by a hunter or a tribal dignitary. 
• A bull, which is symbolic of leading the deceased to greener pastures. A cattleman or a tribal leader would select this coffin. 

Over the last fifty years, coffins have begun to change shape in order to pay better homage to the deceased person’s life and legacy. There is an airline jet, a limo, and even a fishing canoe for a renowned fisherman. Ghanaians have an incredibly unique and beautiful way of remembering their loved one’s legacies. 

Jacques Lipchitz said “Art is an action against death. It is a denial of death.” Throughout the museum, you are able to see different ways of handling death. There are living urns that are able to turn ashes into trees or biodegradable urns for water burials. They also have memory glass that can be made into a necklace or decorative orb. These are incredibly beautiful pieces to remember loved ones that incorporate or hold the ashes. Another interesting method of remembering loved ones is ash paintings. These paintings are typically different quantities of ashes mixed with water to create different shades of grey. Some incredibly detailed pieces of loved ones are on display at the museum and even some animals including a horse. 

The Museum has something for just about everyone and while there is nothing scary or spooky, they do recommend ages 7 and up due to the topic of death. It is honestly very fascinating to see how far funerals, equipment, preservations, and ideas honoring the deceased have come. 

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HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT NEAR downtown Corpus Christi, right down the street from the U.S.S. Lexington aircraft carrier, is a large hidden treasure. The Texas State aquarium is a MASSIVE underwater kingdom. Under their care are numerous species of sharks,  sh, and several other aquatic species, as well as some not so aquatic.  there are different exhibits the aquarium boasts, as well as a massive facility.  ere is something truly captivating in the wildlife conservation, rescue, and research they do. We will take a brief look at some of their exhibits and how the aquarium gives back and helps the wildlife of Texas we all love. Inside the aquarium are multiple exhibits such as the Blue Hole, Coral Reef, Caribbean Sea, Islands of Steel, and so much more. Inside each of these exhibits are animals that truly embrace the names of each exhibit.  The Texas State Aquarium boasts over 460 species you get to interact with.  there are also shows and other activities you can attend at the aquarium.

Caribbean Sea:

Inside the H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit is a HUMONGOUS array of underwater species.  the tank has a 68-foot-long acrylic window, which is also the longest in North America. In this exhibit, you get to see a Spanish galleon shipwreck, along with some Sandbar Sharks and some Great Barracudas.  This tank is so large you feel as if you have entered an underwater kingdom.

Islands of Steel:

The Islands of Steel exhibit gives a great look into what is right out in our own Gulf Coast.  This exhibit is home to a large variety of aquatic species Sharks (Hunter and Orion), a Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Tiki), and some Cownose Rays. Tiki is a part of a past rescue. She lost most of her  flippers after being tangled in fishing line.  the tank contains 125,000 gallons of water and has steel pylons that take the shape of a decommissioned oil rig. The hard legs of oil rigs are perfect for barnacles, oysters, and sponges.  This begins transforming the area’s ecosystem and bringing these new “reefs” are able to provide about 4,000 square feet for aquatic species to live on.

Dolphin Bay:

At Dolphin Bay, you can see four dolphins (Shadow, Kai, Liko, Schooner) and their gravity-defying acts.  the bay has a seating area above the water, as well as a viewing area down below.  the dolphins were born in a protective environment and are unable to be introduced into the open waters.

SAVING SHARKS:

Saving Sharks shows us that sharks are not always the scary monsters that movies show us. Inside this exhibit are four species of shark, the Port Jackson shark, Epaulette shark, Horn shark, and White Spotted Bamboo shark. You get the chance to interact with these sharks in a low, open-air tank and can pet the sharks. A big part of this exhibit is education on how people are more dangerous to sharks than sharks are to people.  eir population has decreased as much as 90% due to fishing, debris, and habitat alteration.

CONSERVATION:

The Texas State Aquarium has several divisions and numerous ways to help wildlife. The Aquarium has wildlife rescue, conservation partnerships, beach cleanups, SECORE, Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE), and Species Survival Plan (SSP). Every year, the aquarium does their part and adopts a local coastline through the Adopt-a-Beach program. e aquarium has also eliminated single-use plastic from the majority of their operations. This is part of their education to show guests and visitors how eco-friendly alternatives can benet the oceans.

Wildlife Rescue: Every year, hundreds of animals within the Gulf Coast become hurt or sick. there are numerous ways this can happen, but most common is debilitated by predators, disease, or other natural causes. The Wildlife Rescue is able to accept Shorebirds, Raptors, Marine Mammals, and Sea Turtles. The Wildlife Rescue takes in the animals and gives them the medicine and/or rehabilitation they need to get back into the wild. In 2016, they were able to help over 300 Shorebirds. The Wildlife Rescue is in a separate location than the Aquarium and is located at 4230 Rincon Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402.

SECORE:

The Texas State Aquarium has partnered with SECORE International. SECORE is a leading conservation organization that helps restore and protect coral reefs. rough these partnerships, SECORE is able to educate the public on how to help corral reefs and preserve them. The Texas State Aquarium assists SECORE by growing corral in their Aquatic Nursery and helps them reintroduce them back into reefs.

SAFE:

The Texas State Aquarium is a member of SAFE and joins other zoos and aquariums in developing plans to preserve wildlife. is includes identifying threats, raising funds and resources, as well as public education.

SSP (Species Survival Plan):

The Texas State Aquarium works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help population management of certain species. is assists in those species’ research, management, and husbandry. This is a vital part and mission of the aquarium. Overall, the Texas State Aquarium is a cool place to go but does so much more behind the scenes.  They educate people on proper treatment of wildlife and our environment.  They also take care of our coastlines and wildlife through their programs and initiatives. Having a resource like this in our state is what truly makes this a treasure. Please consider visiting or donating.

You can find out more info at texasstateaquarium.org or visit in person at 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402. The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day except Christmas Day.

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Story and Photos by Marshall Altom

If you’re looking for a fun outing and do not mind a short drive, I suggest heading down to Topgolf in Spring, Texas. If you have gone down to Houston on I-45, you’ve probably seen it, even if you did not realize it. It is the three-story building with the GINORMOUS nets around it. Inside is a world of fun for people of all ages, shapes, and sizes!

When you first arrive, you need to head to the front desk. If you have never been to a Topgolf, you will need to create a membership. Each person needs a membership to play. After that, you will be assigned a bay. You can also request a bay on a certain level (1, 2, or 3). You may also get to select if you want a bay with couches or a bay with a high top. Each bay can hold up to six people. You may bring your own golf clubs or select from supplied clubs. When you step out on the decks, you will see 10 colored, circular holes in the ground. Each color signifies a different distance. The one color you cannot see is black. It is all the way at the back of the net, and instead of a circle, it is a line. Each color signifies a different length away from the bays. Red is 25 yards, yellow is 50 yards, green is 90 yards, brown is 125 yards, blue is 150 yards, white is 185 yards, and black is 215 yards.

Now that you have arrived at your bay, a waiter will come out to get everyone registered into their cool machines at the bay. After everyone is registered, you get to select your game mode. You might be wondering, “How can golf have different game modes?” Well, Topgolf has found a way. There are over 10 game modes to pick and play. A description of each is coming! At each bay, you have a waiter who will check on you and take care of your food and drink desires. The food at Topgolf is amazing. While we were there, we had the spinach artichoke dip. It was rich and creamy, and it even had some added chopped jalapeños to spice it up! For those who wish to partake, there is a full-service bar. You can also dine in and drink without playing if you so choose. Now on to the games!

TOPGOLF:

In the signature game, players score points by hitting balls (assigned using microchip technology) into any target.  The more accurate your shot and the farther the distance, the more points you earn.

QUICK 9:

In this speedy game of accuracy and fun, you’ll get three shots each at the Red, Yellow, and Green targets.  e closer to the center of each target, the more points you’ll earn. Your last shot at each target will earn double points!

Jr. version is available with a Topgolf Jr. Membership.

TOPCHIP:

For fans of the short game, TopChip uses just the red target ( five shots), yellow target ( ve shots) and green target (10 shots). Hit the correct target, and you’ll score points, but hit the wrong one and see your points disappear.

TOPSHOT:

Similar to TopChip, this game challenges you to hit the targets at four consecutive distances ( ve shots each).  The starting target you choose (red, yellow or green) determines the game’s level of di culty. Accuracy is key in this exciting game. TopShot is available in Rookie, Intermediate and Advanced levels.

TOPPRESSURE:

Test your touch and accuracy by hitting all nine sections within the yellow target. Closeout the first level, then see point values multiply during levels two and three. Be careful not to hit the same section twice, or you’ll lose points.

ADVANCED:

To unlock TopPressure advanced, score at least 30 points in standard TopPressure or 100+ points in Topgolf, and you’ll be able to select this game on your next visit (TopPressure advanced remains active for 30 days after the date unlocked.)

TOPSCRAMBLE:

Beginners and experienced golfers compete mano-a-mano on a level playing field. Players are split into teams, and the best score on each ball is used as the score for the team.

Jr. version is available with a Topgolf Jr. Membership

TOPSCORE:

This high-scoring version of Topgolf rewards you for going big.  the farther the target you hit and the closer you get to the center flag, the higher the multiple of points you’ll receive.

TOPDRIVE:

Break out your big guns, and take aim at the farthest targets. Not for the faint of heart, this game challenges even the most experienced and powerful drivers.

TOPCONTENDER:

This game is only available for events, leagues and the Topgolf Tour.

Jr. version is available with a Topgolf Jr. Membership.

My wife and I went with another couple to do research for this story. We played TOPSCORE, TOPGOLF, and TOPCHIP Intermediate. We played on the second deck and had a blast. Our server was nice and thoughtful, and we stayed and played for two hours. You can always extend your time. Only the guys had an idea of how to play golf. Neither of the girls have ever played golf, and they were still able to learn some and have a blast. (If needed, they also have instructors and do golf lessons.)

Whether you have mad golf skills, just putter around, or have no golf experience at all, this is a fun activity for everyone.  e food, atmosphere, and fun make it a worthwhile drive. You can also book multiple bays for parties, or the entirety of the bays for large events (up to 1000 people). Whether you go to work on your swing, go with some friends for fun, or just need to burn some energy, it is sure to be a great time.

Topgolf in Spring is located at 560 Spring Park Center Blvd, Spring, TX, 77373. You can book online at Topgolf.com or download their app (which also keeps track of your playing history!)

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Back in 1856, a Union barracks was constructed in what would later become Port Aransas. The barracks consisted of two buildings. The first building was blue and housed white Union soldiers and officers. The second building was green and housed black Union soldiers. This barracks assisted in the Union blockade of the Confederate States during the Civil War. After war was over, the barracks no longer served a purpose to the Union. The buildings were turned into a hotel in 1886 by Frank Stephenson, a boat pilot and assistant lighthouse keeper, and it has been operated that way ever since.

The Tarpon Inn has seen its fair share of natural disasters. It has survived several fires and hurricanes. It has withstood hurricanes due to the main supports of the building installed in 1919, which are 40’ telephone poles in 10’ of concrete. This allowed the building to sway in the high winds. In 1929, a fire caused the second story of the green building to burn. The insurance company went belly-up due to the Great Depression and, instead of rebuilding the second story of the building, the owner decided to roof over it. There are still burnt rooms up in the now attic of the green building. The green building became an event building after the fire.

A disaster more recent to The Tarpon Inn would be Hurricane Harvey. Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 Hurricane and decimated Port Aransas and everything in its path. The estimated cost of damage to the city was approximately 1 BILLION DOLLARS. The city also estimated that 100% of businesses in town had damage from Harvey. The Tarpon Inn was no different. The Tarpon was classified as totaled by insurance adjusters and said to be beyond repair; however, the owner of the Tarpon called in a specialty construction group that restores historic landmarks. After 8 months of renovations and repairs, The Tarpon Inn was back open for business. Unfortunately, the event building is still undergoing repairs and renovations. The building is on track to be repaired by the beginning of November.

Going back in the Tarpon’s history, it has seen numerous items of note that may seem beyond comprehension. In May of 1937, Franklin D. Roosevelt was staying on his yacht off the coast of Port Aransas. He was fishing for tarpon and had caught a whopper. He plucked a tarpon scale, signed it, and gave it to The Tarpon Inn. FDR had good relations with The Tarpon Inn, even though he never stayed there. While he was on that fishing trip, the German airship Hindenburg crashed in New Jersey. FDR sent Adolf Hitler a message of condolence from the lobby of The Tarpon Inn. The scale of the tarpon that FDR signed is framed and hung in the lobby for all the visitors to see. The Tarpon Inn opened a restaurant called Roosevelt’s in honor of FDR. Roosevelt’s is said to “provide the finest fine dining on the island.” (We ate there, and the food was amazing. They have an appetizer called Roosevelt Bread that is to die for!)

Another part of history for The Tarpon Inn is the use of the inn for sport fishing. The Tarpon Inn gets its name from the numerous tarpon fish that are near Port Aransas. Port Aransas used to be named Tarpon, Texas. The Inn catered to fisherman who would come to the coast to fish. The Inn would house you, feed you three meals, and provide a boat and a guide for you. The old watchtower of the barracks would fly different color flags to tell which guide was going out that day. The Tarpon became famous for housing people for fishing tournaments and hosting tournaments such as the Tarpon Rodeo.

If you are a believer and fan of the paranormal, The Tarpon Inn is also said to have supernatural activity. There have been several guests that complain about kids running up and down the porch and babies or children crying. Every time these complaints happen, there are no children checked into the hotel. Room 26, called the “Honeymoon Suite,” has a terrible backstory. A couple was staying in the room for their honeymoon. The newlywed husband went out for a pack of smokes and never returned. A couple of days later, the bride hung herself from the rafters. The most haunted room in the Inn is said to be room 40. General Manager Amiee Van Winkle told us she will not even enter that room anymore because of a heaviness that sets upon her when she enters. People have reported seeing a woman at the foot of their bed. There was also a group celebrating a birthday and doing some ghost hunting. When they were getting ready for bed, they began playing back recordings from the room. Clear as day, you can hear someone say, “I’m watching you.” The group promptly left after that. The property also has another business building on it that is available to rent. No business has ever succeeded in that building. When Harvey hit, the entire restaurant was destroyed except for one table, and that table was still perfectly set without a crack on any dish. The restaurant recently had a fire, and all the dining tables were lost, except for the same table that survived Harvey, still perfectly set.

In 1979, recognition was given the Tarpon Inn as it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as a Texas Historic Landmark. The Tarpon Inn has 24 rooms including 3 suites. It is located at 200 E Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373. You can book your stay at thetarponinn.com or call (361) 749-5555. 

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Some people you encounter in life have an unusually high level of energy and charisma—movers and shakers who captivate our attention, whether it is in one-on-one conversation, in a room of people, or in front of a large audience. Terrence Bell is that kind of person. I was fortunate to meet him while we both attended the Huntsville Leadership Institute, and found the level of his multiple talents, interests, and vocations both amazing and inspiring. Terrence, however, would just tell you he is “blessed.”  Finding a person with both charisma and humility is a rare combination. Postcards had the opportunity to visit with him so we could learn more and share about his experiences. 

How long have you been in Huntsville? 

My parents have lived here their entire lives, and I was born in Conroe, Texas on October 30, 1988. I attended Huntsville High School, and once I graduated, I attended Sam Houston State and graduated with a Health and Coaching degree in 2010.

Did you ever want to leave Huntsville? 

Whenever I was younger, I had dreams of moving to Dallas. I had an opportunity to become a coach in the Dallas area, but on the day of my interview, my car had not one—but two—flats. Later, I thought of moving to Conroe or The Woodlands, but my mother’s health kept me nearby. Once my wife and I had a family, we decided to stay here. We were stuck, but in a good way. Huntsville is a unique community, and I am glad that every time I had a chance to leave Huntsville, God shut a door. I have no regrets about staying. I remember when the Ravenwood Village Shopping Center was a large area of trees. It has been a blessing to stay and watch Huntsville grow. 

What was your first major job? 

I began interning for Huntsville High School in 2009 and began coaching soon after. I stayed with the high school for 6-7 years coaching football and track. My first major coaching was with Huntsville Youth Football League; I was blessed to watch those kids grow up, and I have even seen some of them play in college. 

When did you begin ministering in Huntsville? 

I was a freshman in college, and I began having dreams of a pulpit and saw me preaching. It was odd, because I was not heavily involved with church. I knew the Bible, but did not read the Bible—because I knew I was doing everything wrong. I thought about it for a while and eventually asked God for a sign. Well, one night at dinner, a man I had never met before walks up to me and says, “I have some news for you. You know you are supposed to be preaching.” I have never seen him again, but on that next Sunday, I talked to my pastor. I preached my first sermon in December of 2010 at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church. It has been an incredible blessing to spread the word of God. I am able to travel and share my stories in so many cities and states and have gotten to meet so many amazing people. 

I hear you are also a singer; what have you done musically?

After I began preaching, I started a group called Voices for Christ. We formed while I was in college and began building our sound. Once we got older, we split apart. Now I am in a group called The Willing Workers here in Huntsville. I started out as a drummer, moved to background singing, and finally a lead singer. It consists of my friends and family, such as my cousin and uncle. We write our own songs and are currently working on a CD, and it is close to being finished. I have been blessed to be able to tour with The Willing Workers and love that we sing for God. I have met a gentleman that I love hearing sing, and he is working on a tour for me for Philadelphia and New York City.  

Are there any other hobbies you have?

I also act. My first audition was in 2015. A director came from Bryan looking for some talent. He has put on plays and movies. Friends of mine told me to audition, but ministry was so hectic at the time, I was struggling to balance everything. I auditioned and landed a lead role in one of his plays, but I backed out due to my schedule. He gave me another shot the day before the play, and placed me in two roles. I played a gangster and an old man, and the crowd loved it. I have been working with him steadily for almost five years now. We have toured and seen many different cities. I have gotten to speak with Tyler Perry, and we are currently trying to do a movie and hoping Netflix will partner with us. 

What else do you do?

I currently work with the City of Huntsville as a Health Inspector. I used to work with the Parks and Recreation department and was blessed to be able to work my way up. I worked part-time with Parks and Recreation department for seasonal work in 2008. They have taught and trained me so well for both positions I have worked with in the city, and I am blessed to be where I am today. 

When people think of Terrence Bell, what would you like them to remember?

I would like to be remembered by my track record I set in high school. I still hold it to this day. Another way I want to be remembered is by my singing and preaching. But most of all, I want to be remembered as a man of God.

Terrence is a testament to the truth of the scripture, “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”  I got chills when he related how he was called to preach.  As his story unfolded about all that has happened since he answered that call, I see a promise answered in his life. 

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