Bay City in Matagorda County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Bay City U.S.O. Building
Erected in 1941 on land loaned by the Pierce Estate to serve both local citizens and World War II military personnel at Camp Hulen in nearby Palacios, this is one of 16 United Service Organization (U.S.O.) facilities built that year in Texas, Arizona and Oklahoma. A coordinating council was formed that year to create a community center; Bay City citizens and businesses generously contributed to the U.S.O. Project. Dedicated in 1942, the center hosted groups such as the Women's Auxiliary and Girls Service Organization. Records showed 11,289 civilians served as leaders and program assistants; programs were attended by 150,230 service personnel and 222,509 civilians.
The facility was operated by the Y.M.C.A. and a local committee under the auspices of the U.S.O., which terminated its operations in 1945. The property on the north side of the block and the building were deeded to Bay City Post No. 11, the American Legion that year. Post 11 initiated long-term leases with the city of Bay City to maintain the building and continue its operation as a community center of the five Gulf Coast U.S.O. buildings constructed early in the war, this is the only one left standing. A meeting place and city center, the building continues to be an active and vital part of the community.
Constructed according to standardized plans and finished in a brick veneer through the generosity of the Bay City Gas Company, the buff brick building features a u-plan wing housing meeting rooms, offices, a refreshment area, locker room, darkroom and a large auditorium. The building reflects the influences of the international style with banded windows, industrial sash, cantilevered overhangs and a flat roof of articulated massing.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1999
2nd Plaque
Bay City
High School
Class of 1949
At Their 50th Reunion
October 23, 1999
Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12050.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, World II • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.
Location. 28° 58.986′ N, 95° 57.693′ W. Marker is in Bay City, Texas, in Matagorda County. Marker is at the intersection of Avenue M and 7th Street (State Highway 35), on the right when traveling north on Avenue M. The marker is located on the northwest corner of the USO building grounds by the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2105 Avenue M, Bay City TX 77414, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Early Bay City School (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bandstand (approx. ¼ mile away); "Bandstand" The Gazebo (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bay City Library (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Bay City (approx. 0.4 miles away); Original City Hall Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); McLendon Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Secrest Jewelry Co. (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bay City.
Also see . . . United Service Organizations. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on October 24, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 13, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.