1948: Still strong

1948: Still strong

OHS remains strong on the football field with a record of 9-2-1.

Businesses closed: On Jan. 28, the mayor issued a proclamation temporarily closing all business houses and offices with the exception of drug stores, cafes, grocery stores and other businesses necessary for residents' health and welfare, because of severe weather and a shortage of gas. Drought conditions in August prompted the mayor to prohibit watering lawns, gardens, all irrigation and car washing. Violators were to have water service shut off.

    Future president: "Lucky for me, there wasn't much attention paid to resumes when I arrived in Odessa in June 1948." So said George Bush, in recalling his move to Odessa with his wife Barbara. Then just 24 years old, the future president had just gotten out of the Navy and was looking to cash in on the oil boom. But his Yale education and experience as a Navy pilot afforded him few qualifications for working in the oil business. He obtained employment from Dresser Industries in Cleveland, Ohio, which assigned him to work at its Ideco store in Odessa. Bush and his wife rented a "shotgun" apartment on East 7th Street.

    Bush sold supplies for Ideco store manager Leo Thomas. At his first oilfield Christmas party, he learned a valuable lesson that surely served him well as the future leader of the free world. Traditionally, oilfield customers dropped by the store for a holiday drink, and not wanting to appear standoffish, Bush joined each of them in several holiday toasts. Perhaps a bit carried away by Christmas spirit, the young man had to be carried home, down for the count in the bed of a pickup truck.

    New ownership: On Aug. 13, the R.C. Hoiles family and Vernon L. DeBolt purchased the Odessa American from Ridder Publications, beginning more than 50 years of ownership by what is now Freedom Communications Inc. DeBolt was the first publisher, holding the position until his death in 1979. James Harding Scott, a descendent of President Harding, was the first editor.

    Politics: In September, John Mitchell, head of the First National Bank, became the first Odessan named as state committeeman for the congressional Democratic Caucus. Mitchell and fellow Odessan Thomas Pitts, who was on the executive committee for the Texas electoral college, were invited by House Speaker Sam Rayburn and President Truman to attend the president's inaugural reception.

    Permian Playhouse: On Nov. 14, Permian Playhouse was organized. Early productions included "Blithe Spirit" and the "Glass Menagerie," both directed by Bill Adams. The plays were performed in the Odessa High School Auditorium. Tommy Teter directed Permian Playhouse's first musical, "Roberta," which was produced in conjunction with the Odessa symphony. In the same year, the Modern Gardeners Association was established, with Mrs. J.T. Clark the first president. Adopting the motto: "know, sow, grow, show," the group endeavored to beautify the community with annual flower shows and to encourage future horticulturists by offering scholarships.

Headlines 

    * Led by running back Waldo Young, Monahans won the state Class A football championship, beating New Braunfels 14-0. From 1920 to 1947 all high schools, regardless of size, played for a single state title. In 1948, the UIL split the schools into three classes: City, Class AA and Class A.

    * Enid Holm wins first "Miss West Texas" contest and is runner-up for the Miss Texas title.

    * Mohandas Gandhi is assassinated in New Delhi in January.

Click here for 1948 Season Stats

Click here for 1948 Individual Stats