75th Anniversary Gala

The Houston Geological Society held its 75th Anniversary Gala the evening of June 13, 1998 at the Petroleum Club. More than 250 people attended the black-tie affair, enjoying the company of fellow geologists and the sweeping vista from the 43rd floor of the Exxon Building.
A giant ice carving of the society's logo greeted attendees at the entrance. Each member received a special 75th anniversary lapel pin at the registration desk, and then continued toward the Explorer Room to enjoy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Along the hallway, bottles of wine engraved with the 75th anniversary logo were on prominent display as part of a silent auction and raffle benefiting the HGS undergraduate and graduate scholarship funds. Also on view were framed letters of congratulations to the society from Governor George Bush and U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson.
Photographs and memorabilia spanning 75 years of HGS and industry events were on prominent display in the Explorer Room. A unique photo of the Lucas gusher at Spindletop, enlarged from an original glass slide, set the mood of the evening. Candid photos from past HGS events, a brief listing of the HGS history, a list of past HGS presidents, and other interesting items were arranged on easels throughout the room. Another ice sculpture graced the hors d'oeuvres table. Two television monitors played a special video of President Jeff Lund giving a tour throught he new HGS office followed by candid photos of prominent HGS members.
Dinner tables in the ballroom were decorated with black, floor length tablecloths draped by silver lam6. The centerpieces were three-foot tall oil derricks with white orchids and silver bear grass gushing from the top! On each dinner plate was a box containing a chocolate disk with the HGS special anniversary logo printed on it in white chocolate.
In opening remarks, President Jeff Lund and Past-President Jerry Cooley presented to AAPG President-Elect and former HGS President Dick Bishop an enlarged and framed photograph of attendees at the 1924 AAPG annual convention in Houston. That convention was the primary reason for the creation of the Houston Geological Society in the summer of 1923, and so the photo's special significance, linking the two societies' historic roots. Sixteen other past-presidents attending the soire then joined Lund, Cooley, and Bishop in front of the lectern for a group photograph and a special champagne toast to the society.
The most discriminating palate was satisfied with an exquisite three-course dinner consisting of tournedos of beef with bearnaise and Bordelaise sauce, asparagus with honey-glazed carrots, and au gratin potatoes. Dessert was a fabulous three-dimensional piece of art: a chocolate derrick filled with white chocolate mousse on chocolate sauce in the shape of Texas. The derrick, of course was conveniently centered over where Houston would be! It certainly satisfied even the most savvy sweet tooth!
The silent auction continued through dinner. The magnum of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon signed by the vintner drew the highest bids, with Bob Ardell having the final winning bid of $1260. Together, the silent auction and raffle raised nearly $2500 for scholarship funds.
The Family Tree, a very versatile band, provided lively music. Surprisingly agile senior members of the society put younger ones to shame with their contagious enthusiasm for dancing! The party continued past midnight until the last stragglers were urged gently to the door, with some sporting the centerpiece derricks on their heads! This event will undoubtably go down in HGS history as one of its greatest social occasions. Congratulations to gala chairman Greg Gregson and his committee for organizing such a fine celebration! Make plans for the 100th anniversary party!