By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the PRESS
The South Padre Island Historical Museum took its first steps toward preserving the island’s rich history on Saturday, April 26, 2025, with a special event that felt more like a reunion of old friends than a formal gathering. The air was thick with nostalgia as locals shared their treasured memories—old newspapers, vintage T-shirts, travel guides, and some unexpected items, like Harpoon Barry’s prosthetic leg—passed down through the tight-knit community.
Steve Hathcock, the driving force behind the museum, shared a quote that captures the spirit of the event: “There’s an old rule on the island—if two locals call you by your first name in public, you’re considered a South Padre Island local.” It’s a simple but profound rule that reflects the close bonds formed between those who call this place home.
The event wasn’t just about the items—it was about the people, the stories, and the memories that help piece together the island’s history. Like the roots of a mangrove tree, the community here is tightly woven together, each memory adding strength to the island’s foundation. Hathcock described the items brought in as “a wide variety of things, a lot of memorabilia,” but after speaking with him, you get the impression that it is the stories that matter the most.
Among the many contributions were surf contest T-shirts from Susan Bagley, early copies of Golden Burro—the travel guide Hathcock co-published during the ‘80s—and a stack of vintage chamber guides. Sandy Feet brought in items from the early days of Sandcastle Day, while Nancy Patterson contributed old newspapers and vintage ads. Hathcock himself offered a piece of the island’s past, with memories from his own time, publishing local guides. “I even noted an early copy of my (now defunct) Golden Burro,” Hathcock said. “It was a travel and entertainment guide Carl Phillips and I published throughout the ‘80s.”
The heart of the event, though, wasn’t just the items—it was the stories that accompanied them. One of the more touching contributions was from Julia Woodruff, a visitor who had first come to the island for spring break in 1977.
She returned years later as a Winter Texan, and she asked Hathcock about buildings and businesses that had long since vanished. “Fortunately, we were able to send her copies of some of the photos in our archives,” Hathcock said. “She promised to share some of her photos in return.” For Hathcock, this is exactly what the museum is all about—the sharing of memories, from one generation to the next.
Reflecting on the passing of time, Hathcock added, “Some of the buildings and businesses are lost to the noiseless tooth of time.” It’s a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the island’s ever-changing landscape. But as the community gathers and shares, these memories—these pieces of the island’s soul—are preserved for future generations.
In addition to the physical items, Hathcock introduced a new initiative: an oral history project. He’s eager to gather stories from islanders who have lived here through the decades. “Every story is important for us to hear,” Hathcock emphasized. “We want to know when you first heard about Padre Island … Did you come over by ferry? Maybe the first or second causeway. What events did you attend?” Hathcock believes that these personal stories help build a fuller picture of the island’s past. “We are looking for the kind of stories you would share at a family reunion,” he added.
Hathcock encourages people to bring their old photos, no matter how simple they might seem. “You might think they’re mundane,” he said, going on to explain how those pictures could hold a glimpse of something long gone—a building, a moment or a person. It’s these personal connections to the island’s history that Hathcock is most passionate about preserving.
Looking ahead, Hathcock is excited about the museum’s future. While the building itself is under construction and displays are being designed, he emphasized that the museum won’t open until everything is just right. “We have a vision,” he said. “But putting these displays together will take several months of labor.” From prehistoric fossils to shipwreck artifacts, the exhibits will paint a complete picture of South Padre Island’s history. One display, in particular, will focus on Tarpon Beach, the small community that once stood where Isla Blanca Park is now.
Though the museum’s opening date is still a few months away, Hathcock is confident that it will be worth the wait. It’s clear Steve and his team want to honor this island’s history in the way it deserves—through the stories, the artifacts and the memories that make it special.
If you would like more information or would like to contribute items, please contact them via www.spimuseum.com.