< PreviousIt’s our standard home24bank.com | Member FDIC Is your banker focused on your success? EST. YEARS C E L E B RA T I N G 1908 C elebrating 115 years in busi- ness, Home Bank has earned the reputation as a trusted financial partner for families and businesses because their bankers put the customer first. Their professional bankers provide personalized attention to customers, helping local businesses grow and turning dreams into realities. In an era of digital everything, Home Bank strives to deliver tools that make life easier while being ac- cessible and personable, with friendly faces eager to understand individual- ized needs and goals. Home Bank expanded into Texas with the acquisition of Texan Bank in 2022, providing them five Houston-ar- ea banking centers, its debut presence in the Lone Star State. In the spring of 2023, Jeff Dudderar was named presi- dent of the Houston market. His exten- Home Bank 115 years 866-401-9440 • www.home24bank.com sive background in banking provided a valuable addition to the southeastern Texas team. The team of local bankers continues to give that reputable, excep- tional Home Bank service to families and businesses alike. From commercial lending solutions to mortgage lending and personal loans, Treasury Manage- ment products, competitive rates and so much more, bankers are equipped to help serve customers with the tools they need to succeed. Supporting the community is a hall- mark of Home Bank. Their partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, bankers rolling up sleeves to volunteer for efforts that benefit those most in need and financially backing ideas that can improve the lives of people outside of its doors is what sets Home Bank apart. It is the standard, and it is one that Texans will recognize as sincere. Home Bank’s banking centers in the Greater Houston area are located on the Gulf Freeway, Friendswood, Clear Lake, Sugar Land and in River Oaks. To learn more about Home Bank and its locations across Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, visit home24bank.com. Home Bank is Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. Evelyn Hernandez, vice president and senior commercial relationship manager at Home Bank. 20 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023JointheTEAM! O’ConnellBuccaneers -765- O’ConnellCollegePreparatorySchool O’ConnellBuccaneers O ’Connell College Preparato- ry School is celebrating 176 years of excellence and is Gal- veston County’s hidden gem! O’Connell College Preparatory School is the oldest Catholic high school in the state of Texas. Its existence is the legacy of the consolidation of Ursuline Academy 1847, Dominican School 1882 and Kirwin High School 1927. Since 1968, O’Connell has been educating the hearts, minds and spirits of young peo- ple of many faiths in Galveston, Brazo- ria and South Harris counties. O’Connell offers a curriculum that is content-rich, balanced and strong across the four disciplines of math, science, literature and history, utilizing innovative teaching methods that en- gage students in critical thinking, prob- lem-solving and collaborative learning. In addition to recommended and dis- O’Connell College Preparatory School 176 years 1320 Tremont St., Galveston • 409-765-5534 www.oconnellprep.com tinguished graduation plans, two years of Grammar and Composition classes to hone writing skills underpin and are followed by two years of College Prep classes. The small student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1 lends itself to a familial atmosphere and enables students to receive one-on- one help when they need it with no fear of getting over- looked. O’Connell students also benefit from the ability to participate in multi- ple varsity sports in a school year, active in football, volley- ball, basketball, softball, baseball, tennis, cheer, track and golf. To cultivate a sense of belonging and connectedness, parents, alumni and the wider community are actively involved in the educational journey of the students. By establishing mentorship programs, alumni networks and com- munity service initiatives, students are provided with valuable role models and a supportive environment that fosters their personal and academic growth. NEW PROGRAMMING Through Galveston Career Connect and in partnership with Galveston College, students can explore a variety of college and career options that give them the opportunity to gain college credits, job training, work experi- ence and industry-rec- ognized certifications through individualized plans. New career path- ways offered include Health Science and Biomedical Studies; Information Tech- nology; Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (including aviation and mari- time applications); STEM; and Welding and Manufacturing. NEW ELECTIVES O’Connell’s electives menu has expanded to include AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) Ground School class for the FAA Private Pilot certification; Robotics; Horticulture; Maritime-Ships and Shipping; Music; Theatre Arts; Fine Art I and II; Graphic Design and Typography; and Esports Gaming, where students will compete in online gaming tournaments. Amid a school culture of moral vir- tue, decorum, respect, discipline and studiousness among both students and faculty, O’Connell celebrates 176 years of excellence and renews its collective commitment to deliver an education that inspires joy and won- der and cultivates a habit of life-long learning in her students. Tours and shadow appointments can be set up through the admissions office. July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 2117024334 S e r v i n g g a l v e S t o n C o u n t y f o r 5 6 y e a r S 22 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023M ethodists are, as their name indicates, a very practical people. They are passionate about taking what they believe and putting it into action. The core belief that pervades everything they do is that God loves everyone. God’s love, as expressed in Jesus Christ, is the univer- sal belief they share. In 1837, a Methodist circuit rider by the name of Abel Stevens was sent by decision of the General Conference of the Methodist church to preach in a small village by the sea — Galveston. Texas was its own nation at the time. In 1838, a Bible study group began meeting in the cabin of a stranded steamer ship on the island. In 1839, the Rev. Thomas O. Summers was appoint- ed to start an organized Methodist church in Galveston. This makes this congregation one of the oldest Meth- Moody Methodist Church 184 years 2803 53rd St., Galveston • 409-744-4526 www.moody.org odist churches in Texas and the oldest Protestant church in Galveston. In 1841, Rev. Summers visited other states for fundraising to build a house of worship in Galveston. While in Washington, D.C., a gift of $1,800 was given to the Rev. Summers by the Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, Rev. William Ryland. Ryland Chapel was built on the northwest corner of 22nd and Church streets. The first service was held June 24, 1843. From that Ryland congregation, many other Methodist congregations were started as “mission churches,” including churches to serve the African-American slaves and Ger- man immigrants. Eventually, a bigger space was needed for worship and the cornerstone was laid at the southeast corner of 25th Street and Broadway that would be- come St. John’s Methodist Church on Feb. 2, 1869. The church was Gothic in style and constructed of brick. A large bell tower stood at the front. In 1872, a mis- sion church was started in Galves- ton and led by David Ayers. This church became St. James Methodist Church on 14th and Postoffice streets. St. John’s Meth- odist Church was destroyed in the 1900 Storm. The congregations of St. John’s and St. James merged and moved to the north- west corner of 19th Street and Avenue I. For a brief time, the merged congre- gation was named Central Methodist Church. They built a new church in the Spanish architecture style with small towers, low oval-shaped windows and doors. The name was changed to First Methodist Church of Galveston in 1906. A very faithful member of the con- gregation, Libbie Shearn Moody, left provisions for this church in her will. On the vote of the senior pastor, it was decided not to renovate the old build- ing but to move to another location. The groundbreaking ceremony at 53rd Street and Avenue U was held Jan. 22, 1962. The first service at the new site was held Feb. 16, 1964, and the name was changed to Moody Memorial First Methodist Church. Moody Methodist has grown in many ways over the years as well as seen its share of catastrophic events. This recent pandemic has once again proven that the people of this church are passionate about what they believe and put their beliefs into action. Be- cause of the unending generous sup- port and prayers, the church still stands strong and able to serve all people in body and spirit in new ways while shar- ing the love of God. The O’Donohoe Agency 56 years 55928 Stewart Road, Galveston 409-744-1888 O n Nov. 19, 1967 when the leg- acy started, David O’Donohoe started as an Allstate Agent. Over the last 56 years, he has built a great business with fantastic team members. Michelle Pistone-Quijano started at the agency the summer of 1990. She has worked her way from an entry-level po- sition to being the current Agency Man- ager. She believes in always getting bet- ter and learning more ways to provide world-class customer service to clients. She has committed her personal time and energy by attending conferences and continuously training to make sure she is on the forefront of insurance industry practices. She also believes in helping customers have an effortless experience when working with The O’Donohoe Agency. Her positive attitude is infectious with the team and customers. It is great to see team members who have been a part of the team and moved on to newer adventures in life. Two of our memorable team members were Stephanie Caravigeli Jinks and Judy Plexco Labuzan. They helped implement some of the processes and procedures that are still used at the agency today. They made a lasting impression on not only the agency but also the customers. Jose Perret joined the agency two years ago after transitioning from the communication industry. He has honed his knowledge of all things insurance on the coast. He is constantly learn- ing and expanding his knowledge of insurance products. Being fluent in Spanish, he enjoys the opportunity to help those who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish. Mark Blancken, Certified Insurance Counselor, is the newest member of the agency, who brings with him more than 13 years of experience in the insur- ance industry. He has brought a level of professionalism to the agency and, with his past experience, knows how to tailor an insurance portfolio specifically to meet and individual’s or company’s needs. The extensive training he has undergone to be a Certified Insurance Counselor gives him a vast knowledge of how to protect specific risks. After graduating college from Stephen F. Austin State University in December 1996, Sean joined the agency in January 1997. Over the years, he worked his way up and purchased the business from his dad to be the agency owner. He appreci- ates being part of the team, being able to encourage team members to strive and allowing the team to grow. He enjoys knowing that he has built a top-tier customer service team to take care of clients’ needs. He is always looking for new talent for his sales and customer service divisions. If you know someone who wants to have a career in insurance, send them his way! Send Sean an email at SeanODonohoe@Allstate.com. The O’Donohoe Agency enjoys the opportunity to be your one-stop shop for all your insurance needs. David and Sean O’Donohoe visiting the grave of Steve O’Donohoe, the patriarchal O’Donohoe who started it all. July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 23T he Danny Marlow Team at Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is a valued member of the Galveston County community. His team provides customers, real estate professionals, home- buyers and home sellers with a home inspection service that brings the buying or selling of a home unmatched quality, precision, integrity and professionalism. The Danny Marlow Team at Pillar To Post knows that home is where the heart is. Inside these homes are fami- lies and loved ones who make tons of memories inside that house. “We call what we do ‘The Moment of Truth.’” Marlow said. “It is the mo- ment when the emotion of buying and selling a home meets the reality of the issues of that home.” The Danny Marlow team believes that a home inspection is a crucial step in each and every homeownership story. A home The Danny Marlow Team at Pillar to Post Home Inspectors 5 years 6484 Sea Isle, Galveston • 409-443-5694 dannymarlow.pillartopost.com inspection is designed to assess the home you are considering buying. From the roof to the foundation and everything in between, home inspectors will evaluate the overall condition of the home and provide you with a detailed report. “Our work is to communicate effec- tively, knowledgeably, efficiently and openly about the condition of a home,” Marlow said. “We understand that our customers trust us to inform and edu- cate them about what we see and what we find, and this is a trust we hold in the highest regard.” From septic tanks and air quality to pools, spas and mold, Marlow can give customers a thorough and honest inspection at an affordable rate. Marlow believes customers should have every opportunity to familiarize themselves with a property prior to purchasing it. That way, they understand the home’s true condition. For this reason, the team invites customers to be present during the home inspection process and ask any questions. The Danny Marlow Team is a licensed home inspector and carries the required licensure for the Galveston County area. For homebuyers, Danny’s work is an objective explanation of the condition of the potential new home to which an emotional tie is already being formed. For the home seller, his work is to hon- or the home they have lived in and to report on its condition observed at the time of the inspection. Give The Danny Marlow Team a call at 409-443-5694 for all your home inspection needs. F or 104 years, the Glenn Family Dental Clinic has been protect- ing Galveston’s teeth. In 1919, Dr. William Glenn Sr. moved to Galveston to open his dental prac- tice. Galveston was a recently incor- porated port city and bustling with activity. Glenn knew that doctors and dentists would be in high demand, and were scarce at the time, so he decided the island would be the perfect place for his newly minted practice. The city, and the dental office contin- ued to thrive, and 23 years later, son Dr. William L. Glenn Jr. was welcomed in to the business by his father. Dr. William L. Glenn III, practicing since 1986, has worked hard to maintain the reputation that his father and grandfather built. In 2021, after spending two years working with Dr. Gilberto Garcia Jr. under his tutelage, Dr. William Glenn Glenn Family Dental Clinic 104 years 2601 Broadway, Galveston • 409-765-5538 www.garciafamilydds.com welcomed the up-and-coming dentist as the owner of Glenn Family Dental. Glenn III enjoys the freedom of “just being an employee” two days a week and can’t wait to see the new proce- dures Garcia plans to implement in the future including implant services. “Working with him, I found his ap- proach to caring for patients very similar to our family’s long tradition of quality and compassionate care to the patient,” Glenn III said. “He really is a nice guy. Since he has been in the office, my patient base has been very receptive. I believe he will be quite successful.” Glenn Family Dental Clinic has been a source of pride in the dental community for many years. As one of the oldest den- tal clinics in Galveston County, the Glenn family has built a reputation of excel- lence and integrity. The business believes in the highest standards of care. Garcia finds the work as satisfying as he imagined as a child and already loves owning his own practice. “I like the hands-on of dentistry and working with patients towards a com- mon goal,” Garcia said. “In dentistry, there’s a lot of problem-solving involved, and, usually, you get near-immediate results. It is a very satisfying profession, and I love being able to comfort patients and truly take care of them.” Garcia is already streamlining procedures with digital systems and is incorporating Spanish into office vernacular. The clinic uses state-of-the art procedures to keep mouths healthy and beautiful. Each doctor uses a sensible approach to fixing flaws, and keeping teeth in the best shape possi- ble. Glenn Family Dental Clinic stresses prevention of dental disease and will work with you to create a plan for the overall heath of your teeth and gums. With procedures that range from cleaning to cosmetic dentistry, the staff of Glenn Family Dental Clinic is dedi- cated to creating beautiful smiles every day. They provide general dentistry to patients of any age, and can handle a variety of procedures under one roof. “Glenn Family Dental has cared for generations of island resident’s teeth and have forged relationships that are built to last,” Glenn III said. “These are our friends, family and neighbors and keeping their smiles healthy is import- ant to us.” 24 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 20236484 Sea Isle, Galveston, TX, 77554 tel: 409-443-5694 | danny.marlow@pillartopost.com The Danny Marlow Team provides professional home inspection services for: Fort Bend, Chambers, Liberty, Jefferson, Galveston, Harris & Brazoria counties. Trec # 23187 (MAT 1339) HOME INSPECTION PACKAGES Pillar To Post™ offers three exclusive Home Inspection Packages that allow you to select the range of services you prefer. Your report is available upon the completion of your inspection, so there’s no waiting for results. You’ll also have online access to your report anytime. Plus™ • Premium™ • Prestige™ Pillar To Post™ provides a variety of added services that help with the home buying process as well as homeownership. Professional Mold And Air Quality Inspecting Septic Tank Inspection Swimming Pool, Spa And Hot Tub Inspection Sewer Scope Inspections The Danny Marlow Team Your Local Pillar To Post Home Inspectors Our office services include Preventative Dentistry • Crown and Bridge • Extractions • Whitening Dentures and Partials • Root Canals • Implant Services 2601 Broadway, Galveston, Texas 77550 TEL 409-765-5538 FAX 409-765-6753 www.garciafamilydds.com Dentistry for the whole family. Serving Galveston Since 1919 CLINIC Periodontal & Oral Cancer Screening And More! Our Office provides Emergency Care to our patients July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 25Established 1854 GALVESTON 3928 Broadway 409-763-8518 CUSTOM LAYOUTS AND DESIGN 7301 Memorial Dr., Hitchcock, Texas (409) 986-7409 A Traditional Cemetery Established 1925 Owned and Operated by Galveston Families • Mausoleum • Cremation Niches • Cremation Spaces • Upright Monument Privileges • Lawn Level Marker Spaces E asily accessed by the Gulf Free- way, yet nestled under the cover of magnolia trees, beautiful mossy oaks and an umbrella of pine trees, Galveston Memorial Park Ceme- tery provides a serene and respectful atmosphere. Initially started with 62 acres, Gal- veston Memorial Park Cemetery was founded by Sam J. Levy, Walter L. Nor- wood and Fred C. Pabst in 1925. The first cemetery in Galveston County to offer perpetual care, Galveston Memo- rial Park is a beautiful gem hidden in plain sight. Away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, prepare to be captivated while meandering through the quiet grounds laden with natural botanical beauty as you catch glimpses into the Gulf Coast’s rich local past. Galveston Memorial Park Cemetery 98 years 7301 Memorial St., Hitchcock • 409-986-7409 • gmpcemetery.com Interred on these grounds are some of the most prominent players in Galveston County history. Recognizable names will bring a nostalgia for times long past. Still owned by Galveston County families, the cemetery has added acreage to the original tract and excels at main- taining the calm serenity and magnificent beauty only the finest cemeteries provide. With 98 years of experience, the Gal- veston Memorial Park Cemetery offers compassion to families and peaceful beauty for years to come. F ive generations of the Ott family have owned and operated Ott Monument Works, the oldest memorial establishment in Texas. The family is proud of the company’s ac- complishments and pleased to contin- ue serving Galveston County. Galveston had just become incorpo- rated when A.A. Allen set up a marble shop on Center Street. Years later, an apprentice sculptor named Charles Sebastian Ott joined him. Ott was an expert stonemason who had worked on the ornate post office in Austin. Hearing fabulous tales about Galveston in 1879, he moved his family to the island. After Allen’s death, Ott bought the business and changed the name to Ott Monument Works. Quickly outgrowing the Center Street quarters, he moved Ott Monument Works 169 years 3928 Broadway, Galveston • 409-763-8518 to Sealy and 22nd Streets only to be destroyed by a fire. He suffered loss again three years later in the 1900 Storm. Teetering on bankruptcy and struggling to rebuild, he died in 1909. Ott’s son, John Charles, persevered and grew the business. John Charles’ son, Charles Ellis, continued the tradi- tion, followed by his son, Bernard. Ber- nard’s son, Daniel, and daughter, Linda Ott-Thompson, are the current manag- ers, with daughter, Denise Ott-Charpi- ot, handling the mainland office. Many civic memorials in Galves- ton County are of Ott craftsmanship, including stonework on the Rosenberg Memorial, Bishop’s Palace and the Moody Mansion. 26 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023735 W. League City Parkway, League City, TX 281-332-0019 www.mikespestcontrol.net Servicing Galveston since 1933 Galveston’s Number 1 and oldest Towing company in Galveston. Also Heavy Hauling Equipment 706 51st Street, Galveston, TX 77551 (409) 744-1024 • www.tonyandbros.com 89 YEARS IN BUSINESS SERVING THE COMMUNITY F amily owned and operated since 1933, Tony & Bros Towing and Repair takes pride in providing customers with top-quality auto tow- ing and repair services. As the oldest towing and recovering company on Galveston Island, the business really does it all. From towing and oil chang- es to transporting and brake work, you can count on Tony & Bros to get your vehicle up and running. The business understands the impor- tance of your vehicle, so the staff dedi- cates their time and expert knowledge when working on vehicles. Not only do the mechanics fix your car, they will take the time to educate you on how to manage and maintain your car so you don’t run into the same issues again. The shop offers an array of services for cars, trucks, vans, RVs, big rigs and motor homes. Auto repair services include oil changes, tune ups, starters, Tony & Bros Towing and Repair 90 years 706 51st St., Galveston 409-744-1024 • www.tonyandbros.com transmissions, diagnostics, brake work, alternators, flywheels and engine repairs. Auto towing services include unlocks and stuck jobs. The business is well- known in the area for heavy-duty truck repair and heavy equipment hauling. You can count on Tony & Bros for all of your towing and repair services. When you’re in a fix and need a tow, give the friendly professionals at Tony & Bros Towing and Repair a call. O pening a business takes commitment — commit- ment to your career choice, continuing to learn your trade and commitment to your community. Few businesses embody that level of commitment as fully as Mike’s Pest Control. In 1971, Mike Kopecinski started the journey to becoming a very suc- cessful small-business owner for more than 45 years. Kopecinski and his nephew and now CEO and partner, Robert Palermo, have been working together ridding the community of unwanted pests and ever since. Over the years, Mike’s Pest Con- trol surpassed expectations and has stayed ahead of the curve by shift- ing digital documentation, keeping up to date on requirements for state regulations and changing with new small-business demands. Mike’s Pest Control 46 years 735 W. League City Parkway, League City 281-332-0019 • mikespestcontrol.net Dependability and honor are im- portant cornerstones in Kopecinski’s business, and he holds his employees to a high standard. Where Kopecinski was once the lone employee, there are now 14 full-time staff members. Grounded in faith and nurtured by honor and dependability, Mike’s Pest Control has proven one man’s deci- sion to enter the pest control industry was a sure one. July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 27Franklin W. “Rusty” Carnes, III Michael D. Carnes Franklin W. Carnes, IV The Carnes Brothers have dedicated their lives to the service of others. They are lifetime Galvestonians by choice; aware of all the history of this grand community and involved in every aspect of it. They are able to connect families with every resource that is available from anywhere in the world. Being completely involved in every aspect of Galveston life has afforded them opportunities that only come with years of active participation. This is a resource that is shared with the families they serve. Carnes Brothers Funeral Home Galveston’s Distinctive Funeral Home......Established 1990 1201 Tremont • Galveston, Texas 77550 • (409) 765-8080 T he Carnes family un- derstands that during incredibly trying times in people’s lives, it’s comfort- ing to know that they can turn to professionals to help them navigate through the most difficult of waters. Since 1990, family-owned Carnes Brothers Funeral Home has taken pride in doing just that. With more than 30 years of experience serving the Galves- ton area, the staff is dedicated to providing personalized service tailored to the needs of everyone involved. This customer service allows bereaved family members and friends to focus on saying goodbye in the most dignified and respectful way possible. Preplanning services are something that Carnes Brothers Funeral Home specializes in. Planning can be difficult, and, to lessen that burden, options offered include funerals, cre- mations, burials, memorials or medical body donation services. This allows customers to create a comprehensive plan at an af- fordable rate. With packages of preselected options, loved ones are aided in honoring wishes in the easiest way possible at the most difficult time. Arrange- ments can be made in person, by phone or online. When stepping in to the lobby of Carnes Brothers Funeral Home, an immediate sense of peace envelopes you. Designed like a formal hotel lobby, the beauty and sereni- Carnes Brothers Funeral Home 33 1201 Tremont St., Galveston 409-765-8080 • www.carnesbrothers.com ty of the surroundings create an immediate calming effect designed to help clients cope with loss. With a large space to greet friends and offer condolences, guests don’t feel closed-in or overcrowded. The chapel, which can accommodate 250 people, is adorned with beautiful gold chandeliers that emit a com- fortable level of light and is accented by indirect cove lights that highlight the serene architecture. State-of-the art audio and video equipment is offered for tributes, and the Carnes family works with local florists and churches to create the peaceful celebration of life that loved ones deserve. Members of the community for years, Carnes Brothers Fu- neral Home understands that grief is an ongoing process and has created an area of its website dedicated solely to reading materials to comfort families in time of loss. The Carnes family has spent the last 33 years caring for grieving families as if they were their own. years 28 | The Daily News | Years of Excellence and Endurance | July 2023W hen making the bequest for a library, Henry Rosenberg stated, “I desire to express in a practical form my affection for the city of my adoption and for the people among whom I have lived for so many years, trusting that it will aid their intel- lectual and moral development, and be a source of pleasure and profit to them and their children and their children’s children through many generations.” His wish was granted, and for more than 152 years, Rosenberg Library has provided rich services to Galveston’s community through extensive collec- tions, dedicated reading rooms, the computer lab and free public programs for the education and enrichment for all. Here, visitors can access free wire- less internet, comprehensive reference services, a variety of computer databas- es and fully equipped meeting rooms. Rosenberg Library 152 years 2310 Sealy Ave., Galveston • 409-763-8854 www.rosenberg-library.org Want to learn a new language? Start a business or build job skills? Need tutor- ing help for school age children? Help with those questions, plus much more, are available at the Library. But Rosenberg Library didn’t start out the staple it is today. It began humbly January 1871 when a small group of merchants established the Galveston Mercantile Library, located in the Hurl- but building on 22nd and Postoffice streets. This was the first public library for not only Galveston, but the entire state of Texas. For almost 30 years after, the library constantly switched identities. Sometimes it was called the Galveston Free Library, other times the Galveston Public Library. Sometimes it was operated by private entities, and other times the city. These constant changes caused confusion and made the future of a public library on the island uncertain. However, one of the original merchants who helped form the library, a philanthropist named Henry Rosenberg, decided to donate the bulk of his estate to the establishment and maintenance of a free, public library. Using Henry’s $600,000 gift (more than $18 million in today’s dollars), the new Rosenberg Library Association built a per- manent home, named for its benefactor, called the Rosenberg Library. It opened at its current location, 2310 Sealy Ave., in 1904 and picked up the mantle of the original Galveston Public Library. Since 1904, Rosenberg Library has evolved in many ways. Immediately af- ter opening, the Texas Historical Society, precursor to today’s Galveston Historical Foundation, placed its archives at the library, creating the genesis of today’s Galveston & Texas History Center. The Library opened a “Colored Branch” to serve the island’s Black community, believed to be the first public library for African Americans in the south. By the 1940s, the library expanded its services countywide, and by the ’70s, the build- ing space doubled with the addition of the Moody Memorial Wing. Today, cus- tomers from all around the world have benefited from what Rosenberg Library has to offer, as advances in technology have allowed for more virtual interac- tions than ever before. The current caretakers of Rosenberg Library are honored to continue the wishes of its namesake, and are com- mitted to carrying out those wishes far into the future. July 2023 | Years of Excellence and Endurance | The Daily News | 29Next >