History of Kemah (From the Kipp Collection)
KEMAH, GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS
Page 5
L.D. Rice were the ferry operators. In 1929 a bridge was built across the water between Seabrook and Kemah. [1]
The Kipp and Bradford families figured greatly into early Kemah history. Mr. Kipp had the first grocery store in town as well as being the first post master. Jim Bradford built the first bathhouse which was located on 2nd Street first and then moved to 8th Street. Also Kathleen Bradford Benson was the first school teacher in Kemah and she later became Superintendent of Schools in Galveston County. [2]
One old-time resident remembered the way most people made a living in Kemah in early years. “Most had truck gardens and cows. Others had bait camps and rented out boats to Houston people who came down for pleasure. Oysters were sold. Crabs were sent to Houston.” [3] With the advent of Prohibition in 1920 and the tolerance of Galveston County officials to alcohol and games of chance, Kemah became Houston’s playground with wide-open gambling and drinking.[4]
During the 1950’s the Clear Creek Channel was opened and a large shrimp fleet was based at Kemah. Carla, the 1961 hurricane devastated the city and virtually destroyed it. Recovery form the massive storm was slow but the fishing industry returned and grew in strength. [5] Marine storage facilities for pleasure craft in the city and surrounding areas during the 1970’s and 1980’s added greatly to the economy and today hundreds of boats, large and small, can be seen docked at Kemah’s piers and plying channel waters.
Kemah was incorporated as a village on March 22, 1965. The first mayor was Dr. R. B. Estes and the first Aldermen were John J. Dewey, F. W. Bertram, J. J. McCabe, Lee Hart and[1] “Kemah resident recalls the town of her childhood,” Galveston Daily News. (February 24, 1980), 14-J.
[2] News.
[3] News.
[4] B. Miller, 20.
[5] B. Miller, 20.