Fisheye view of Maintenance Crew Vacuuming Astroturf
A member of the Maintenance Crew at the Astrodome driving a small Tractor pulling industrial Vacuuming apparatus to clean the Astroturf. Taken with a Fisheye lens
King Chou Wong
RGD006N1984-0942N019 Houston Post Photo Collection
A member of the Maintenance Crew at the Astrodome driving a small Tractor pulling industrial Vacuuming apparatus to clean the Astroturf. Thursday May 3, 1984.
RGD006N1984-0942N016 Houston Post Photo Collection
Rngleader Series Boxing match at the Astrodome
2 unidentified undercard Fighters during a bout at the ingleader Seriesboxing in Astrodome Monday July 11, 1983.
Dan Hardy
RGD006N1983-1339N032 Houston Post Photo Collection
Ringleader Series Boxing match at the Astrodome
RGD006N1983-1339N026 Houston Post Photo Collection
RGD006N1983-1339N025 Houston Post Photo Collection
RGD006N1983-1339N021 Houston Post Photo Collection
RGD006N1983-1339N019 Houston Post Photo Collection
Motocross Bike in the air at the Astrodome
One bike just reaching the top of a jump hill as another is just about to land on its rear wheel after taking the jump on the course track. The Astrodome, Sunday March 16, 1980.
Craig H. Hartley
RGD006N1983-0551N028 Houston Post Photo Collection
Motocross Bikes taking a corner at the Astrodome
Motocross Bikes taking a flat corner, while a rider on the inside rear fails to make it as his bike tips to the side. The Astrodome, Sunday March 16, 1980.
RGD006N1983-0551N007 Houston Post Photo Collection
Motocross Bikes in the air at the Astrodome
3 bikes in the air as they jump when reaching the top of a jump hill on the course track. Saturday March 15, 1980.
Joel Draut
RGD006N1980-0676N026 Houston Post Photo Collection
Wide shot from the back of the Astrodome stands with those sitting to the sides in silhouette, with packed stands all around. Entire Motocross track is shown as a race is underway. Saturday March 15, 1980.
RGD006N1980-0676N023 Houston Post Photo Collection
Male athlete bursting through the finish line ahead of his competitors, during a print race Well-dressed dignitaries and officials standing at the side, at BrooksTrack Meet event in the Astrodome February 16, 1980.
Jim McNey
RGD006N1980-0398N032 Houston Post Photo Collection
Interior of the Astrodome during Brooks Track Meet event
Wide shot of the interior of the Astrodome during Brooks Track Meet event. Sparse audience in attendance, in seating below electronic announcement boards. February 16, 1980.
RGD006N1980-0398N027 Houston Post Photo Collection
Female athletes just reaching the finish line, during a print raceat Track Meet event held in the Astrodome Friday February 16, 1980.
RGD006N1980-0398N019 Houston Post Photo Collection
Triple Jump at the Brooks Track Meet at the Astrodome
Male Athlete launching himself into the air during the last section of the riple Jumpas 2 officials look on
at the Brooks Track Meet at the Astrodome February 16, 1980.
RGD006N1980-0398N016 Houston Post Photo Collection
Pole Vault at the Brooks Track Meet at the Astrodome
Male Athlete attempting the Pole Vault at the Brooks Track Meet at the Astrodome February 16, 1980.
RGD006N1980-0398N014 Houston Post Photo Collection
Low angle shot of Female athletes on a raised track, at the start of a race. Brooks Track Meet event held in the Astrodome February 16, 1980.
RGD006N1980-0398N007 Houston Post Photo Collection
Female athletes on a raised track, leaving the starting line, as the starter pistol is fired. Brooks Track Meet event held in the Astrodome February 16, 1980.
RGD006N1980-0398N003 Houston Post Photo Collection
Several bikes taking a corner during Motocross Races at the Astrodome. March 13, 1976.
RGD006N1976-1049N032 Houston Post Photo Collection
Bikes jumping over a bridge on the course of the Motocross Races at the Astrodome. March 13, 1976.
RGD006N1976-1049N008 Houston Post Photo Collection
Bikes going over and under a bridge on the course of the Motocross Races at the Astrodome. March 12, 1976.
RGD006N1976-1023N017 Houston Post Photo Collection
Several bikes taking a corner in front of a half-full audience stand during Motocross Races at the Astrodome. March 12, 1976. Official in center of course with white flag.
RGD006N1976-1023N014 Houston Post Photo Collection
Female athlete wearing a TUtop, flashing the peace sign to the camera, while holding an unidentified object
at Track Meet event held in the Astrodome Friday February 12, 1971.
RGD0006N1971-0616N011 Houston Post Photo Collection
Female athletes just reaching the finish line, during a print raceat Track Meet event held in the Astrodome Friday February 12, 1971.
RGD006N1971-0616N008 Houston Post Photo Collection
Male athlete just reaching the finish line, with his arms raised in triumph, during a print raceat Track Meet event held in the Astrodome Friday February 12, 1971.
RGD006N1971-0616N006 Houston Post Photo Collection
Male athletes just about to reach the finish line during a elay raceat Track Meet event held in the Astrodome Friday February 13, 1970.
RGD006N1970-0705N045 Houston Post Photo Collection
Male Kansas state athlete throwing the Shot-put during a Track Meet event held in the Astrodome Friday February 13, 1970.
RGD006N1970-0705N030 Houston Post Photo Collection
Male athletes just about to reach the finish line during a print raceat Track Meet event held in the Astrodome Friday February 13, 1970.
RGD006N1970-0705N025 Houston Post Photo Collection
Wide shot of the interior of the Astrodome, during Track Meet event. Sparse audience in attendance, in seating below electronic announcement board. Second board with sign elcome to the Astrodome Eighth Wonder of the World Friday February 13, 1970.
RGD006N1970-0705N015 Houston Post Photo Collection
Male athletes sprint for the finish line during a istance raceat Track Meet event held in the Astrodome Friday February 13, 1970.
RGD006N1970-0705N012 Houston Post Photo Collection
Air conditioning system renovations at the Astrodome 1988.
RGD0006N-1988-3441-0886N18 Houston Post Photo Collection
Shirley Bilanowski, a native Houstonian, recalls the many kinds of entertainment she enjoyed with family and friends at the Astrodome. She attended the first regular season baseball game at the Astrodome, as well as many other activities, such as motorcycle racing, demolition derby events, the Ringling Brothers Circus, and performances from Evel Knievel and Elvis Presley.
Castillo, Caroline
The Houston Public Library retains the literary and publishing rights of its oral histories. No part of the interviews or transcripts may be downloaded or published without the written permission of the Houston Oral History Project.
Connie Laveaux Howard was born in Many, Louisiana and moved to Houston in 1976. Howard was one of the original Houston Oiler cheerleaders when the program started in 1978. In this interview, Howard explains how she came to be a cheerleader. She drove a friend to the cheerleader tryouts on June 3, 1978 and was sitting in the bleachers watching when she was introduced to one of the judges. Howard decided to tryout and made the first cut and was selected to be an alternate. As rehearsals went on, the judges noted that some of the alternates were excellent dancers (including Howard), so the alternates were chosen to be cheerleaders, too. The Derrick Dolls - as the cheerleaders were known - pumped up the crowds at football games, made public appearances, acted as grand marshals in parades and took photographs with dignitaries. The Derrick Dolls were given just had one uniform and it had to last the entire season, Howard shares her favorite memory of the Astrodome: her first year was also Earl Campbell's first year, and she describes the powerful experience of the players and cheerleaders running out to the field at the beginning of a game.
Native Houstonian Gary Kilpatrick shares his memories of the Astrodome. Kilpatrick had the opportunity to watch the construction of the Dome and later was hired to be a press box runner at the Astrodome during 1967 and 1968. Kilpatrick's job allowed him access to Astros games, Oiler games, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Kilpatrick reminisces about the games he and his press box friends would play with the bat boys. Kilpatrick shares one of his favorite memories: escorting a photographer to the top of the Astrodome.
Oral History of Susie Morris
Seth Morris was one of the architects for the Astrodome at the firm of Wilson, Morris, Crain and Anderson. He was also the coordinator of the contractors, architects, engineers and county. In this interview his wife, Susie Morris, shares some of her memories of the Astrodome. Many people thought the Astrodome was going to fall down and ribbed Seth about it. The air conditioning system was never done on such a scale, and there were concerns that it wouldn't work. Susie thought that Judge Roy Hofheinz was instrumental in promoting the Astrodome. He had a place behind the scoreboard which included a putting green, shooting gallery, fish pond and huge bathtub. She mentions some of the problems which arose, such as the leaks, the grass, and the glare from the sunlight.
Moore, Barry
Plummer, Danielle
Ed Henderson is an animation artist and model maker who designed the animations used on the scoreboards in the Astrodome. Henderson describes the process of first designing the animations on film and the process of projecting the images onto photoelectric cells behind the light bulbs of the scoreboards. His designs included Chester Charge, the seventh inning stretch "Deep In the Heart of Texas" animation sequence, and many other cartoons. In this interview, Henderson discusses his career and his memories of events and people he met at the Astrodome over the years.
Acosta, Mike
This oral history recalls three generations of Astrodome memories. Wilbur Thompson worked as a parking cashier starting in the mid-1970's. He was at the Astrodome for Astros and Oilers games, as well as the Houston Rodeo and Livestock show, plus various concerts. His children would often come to the Dome when he was working. Joseph Thompson (Wilbur’s son) was a big Astros fan. He and his school friends would attend the games. He thought it was very cool to have a dad who worked for the Astros. Susan Thompson (Wilbur’s daughter) recalls fond memories of spending a day at Rodeo and then going to the concerts each weekend on a $5.00 ticket. The youngest Joshua Hansen (Wilbur’s grandnephew) recalls attending games as a family and being amazed at the size of the Dome. The family agrees that the Astrodome is an important part of their Houston heritage.
Selley, Mikaela
Bob Watson made his Major League Baseball debut with the Houston Astros and played with the team from 1966 until 1979. Watson describes the experience of playing baseball inside the Astrodome and figuring out the best way to bat in the stadium. He also discusses some of his other teammates including Don Wilson and Larry Dierker and other career highlights. Watson went on to play for the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees, and the Atlanta Braves before retiring in 1984. He served as the General Manager for the Astros from 1993 to 1995.
Lucas, Greg
"Skip" Nichols recalls the different games and events he attended at the Astrodome.
Cain, Adrienne
Emily Lee Hammond discusses her memories of working the Astro games and other special events at the Astrodome.
Hammond, Emily Lee
Used by permission - no re-use. Contact the original copyright holder for permission to re-use this item.
Terry Ortiz recalls memories of getting married in the Astrodome before a game.
Mac Haik--first round draft pick for the Houston Oilers in 1968--discusses playing football in the Astrodome.
Betty Laney talks about her memories as one of the original Spacettes and opening night of the Astrodome.
Donald Bond, son of Astros player Walter Bond, discusses his memories of the Astrodome and the different events he attended there.
David Long discusses his memories of opening night at the Astrodome along with seeing Mickey Mantle hit the first home run.
John Monahan recalls his memories of the Astrodome where he worked and spent the majority of his teenage years.
John Buri recalls memories of his first time visiting the Astrodome and the numerous events he attended there after.
Click here to watch the video on the Houston Public Library website
Vance, Mike
Page from Scrapbook of Judge Roy M. Hofheinz: Domed Stadium
Hofheinz, Roy, 1912-1982
https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/archival/id/1538
Electronic version published by Houston Public Library, Houston, Texas
Born in Cameron, Texas, Drayton McLane Jr., followed his father's footsteps in learning various aspects of the wholesale grocery business. Having an MBA in marketing, he moved into management and became the CEO and Chairman of the McLane Company in 1992. He served as President of the Texas Wholesale Grocers' Association, and was named Vice Chairman of Walmart Corporation. The highlight of his career was the purchase of the Astros team in 1993, and as CEO, saw its success in 2005 to advance to the World series.
Barlow, Jim
Photograph, Two Young Girls Outside Colored Carnegie Library
https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/images/id/3570/rec/1
Silent Film Footage of Television News Segment, Stadium Bonds Bid Opening
KHOU-TV (Television station : Houston, Tex.)
Astrodome (Houston, Tex.)--Press coverage
KHOU-TV
Film Footage of Television News Segment, Judge Elliott on Stadium Bonds
Photograph, Scene with Signs for White Clinic and Mexican & Colored Clinic Waiting Rooms
Watkins
http://digital.houstonlibrary.org/cdm/ref/collection/images/id/4237
http://digital.houstonlibrary.org/cdm/ref/collection/images/id/2871
Photograph, First National Bank of Houston
Schlueter, Frank L.
http://digital.houstonlibrary.org/cdm/ref/collection/schlueter/id/856
Fones, Russel
http://digital.houstonlibrary.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/13
http://digital.houstonlibrary.org/cdm/ref/collection/images/id/2793
Browning, R. L.
http://digital.houstonlibrary.org/cdm/ref/collection/images/id/2737
Photograph, Aerial of Industrial Plant on the Houston Ship Channel
https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/images/id/2640/rec/1
Photograph, Houston Buffs Manager Harry Walker
Harry Walker, manager, Houston Buffs baseball team, kneeling beside unidentified player
https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/images/id/1616/rec/1
Photograph, Students at a Sit-In at Weingarten Cafeteria
Hardy, Dan
https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/images/id/1613/rec/1
https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/images/id/203/rec/1
https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/images/id/209/rec/1
https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/images/id/201/rec/1
Poster, 1957 Houston Fat Stock Show and Rodeo
https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/archival/id/304
Born in 1898 in Houston. After his early education in Houston, he entered Princeton University in 1915. During that time he enlisted in Naval reserve when World War I was delared in 1917. In 1918 he was on active duty at Nantucket. he returned to Princeton in 1919 when he became inactive from naval duty. From there he returned to Texas to be enrolled in Law School. In 1920, he entered the family banking business-the First National Bank.He wrote a book on the history and development of the Bank in 1974. During WWII, he was again commissioned to work at the 8th Naval District in New Orleans from 1942-44. In June 1945, he was made the Director of Welfare of the 8th Naval District.
Henson, Margaret
McCullough, Harold M.
Photograph, Actress Ann Miller Welcomed to Houston by Mayor Roy Hofheinz
Arrow Arts Studio
Civil rights workers--Texas--Houston--Interviews
Goldstein, David
Photograph, Billie Jean King at the Battle of the Sexes Match
Reproduced with permission. Please contact the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston, Texas.
Please contact the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston, Texas.
Photograph, Aerial Image of Astro Domain
Photograph, Aerial Image of Interstate 610 to Downtown Houston
Photograph, Astrodome Interior During Construction
Johnson, Owen
Photograph, Roy Hofheinz in his Suite at the Astrodome
Photograph, Roy Hofheinz, Warren Giles, and Alan Shepard inside the Astrodome
Giles, Warren C. (Warren Crandall), 1896-1979
Shepard, Alan B. (Alan Bartlett), 1923-1998
Photograph, Judge Roy Hofheinz and R. E. (Bob) Smith Inside Houston Astrodome
Photograph, Houston Astrodome During a Baseball Game
Thompson, Bill
Photograph, Colt Stadium with Astrodome Site in the Background
Photograph, Billie Jean King at the Battle of the Sexes
Billie Jean King being carried into the Astrodome for the Battle of the Sexes match
Photograph, Houston Astrodome and Surrounding Parking Lot
Photograph, Aerial View of the Houston Astrodome and Astrohall
Photograph, Aerial Image of the Astrodome and Astroworld
Please contact the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston, Texas