Chronicle, top, and Press headlines from January 1949.
In a surprise move to close out 1948, City Council annexed more than 100 square miles of land.
The land grab meant Houston now surrounded Bellaire, West University Place, Southside Place, South Houston and other areas. The move also sparked a boundary fight with Pasadena.
On the national stage, the annexation put Houston’s population at 618,000, making it the largest city in the South.
The expansion didn’t amuse New Orleans.
In a telegram to Houston Mayor Oscar Holcombe, New Orleans Mayor de Lesseps S. Morrison said, as reported in the Chronicle:
“New Orleans, largest city in the South, third largest in area in the nation, gateway between the Americas, home of the Mardi Gras, Spring Fiesta, fine food and beautiful women, cordially congratulates Houston on its progress and growth.
“As capital of the Gulf Coast, we are happy to see progress in all communities within our sphere of influence.
“I wish to extend a cordial invitation to you to visit New Orleans and study how we maintain our position and population growth without extending our area.
“After your visit, we feel sure you will become reconciled to the fact, and admit the great city of Houston is still behind New Orleans in population — at least in human inhabitants.”
The Press said Houston City Council whooped and hollered as Holcombe read the telegram.
“Why visit a village to find out how to run a city?”
City Council didn’t let the matter drop just yet. On Jan. 5, 1949, the annexation-happy City Council unanimously passed “An ordinance annexing the suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana, to the city of Houston.”
According to the ordinance, the annexation was “for all purposes relative to a closer and friendlier acquaintance with such beautiful suburb.”
(Special thanks to City Hall reporter Matt Stiles for bringing this to my attention.)