Lakeshore/Lions Park
The Port Arthur Townsite Company, planning the layout of Port Arthur in 1898, set aside Lakeshore Park along the Sabine Lake shoreline. In 1920 a portion of the park was named Lions Park in honor of the Lions Club members who made numerous improvements there. Through the years, the Lions Club provided playground equipment, water fountains, landscaping, picnic tables, and a two-story southern colonial style bandstand.
The bandstand in the center of the park became a focal point of community social, political and recreational activities. The park was an especially popular gathering place for citizens of all ages during the long, hot summer months.
Texas Senator (and future governor) Allan Shivers, campaigning successfully for reelection in 1938, appeared at political rallies in the park. W. Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel, successful candidate for Governor of Texas that same year, and his band, the Light Crust Doughboys, also appeared in a rally at the park.
City records indicate that the bandstand was razed in 1954. The park was donated to Lamar University, Port Arthur in September 1989 and has become a focal point of Lamar's campus.
Erected 1991 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10539.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas
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Location. 29° 52.717′ N, 93° 55.686′ W. Marker is in Port Arthur, Texas, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Procter Street near Nashville Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Arthur TX 77640, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Arthur Edward Stilwell (a few steps from this marker); Gates Memorial Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Gates Memorial Library (about 400 feet away); Port Arthur College (about 400 feet away); Ruby Ruth Fuller Building (about 500 feet away); Vuylsteke House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Federated Women's Clubs Of Port Arthur (approx. 0.4 miles away); Clubhouse of the Federated Women’s Clubs of Port Arthur (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Arthur.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 11, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
