I was sharing my finds at an Antique Store in Houston with a fellow employee. The employee…read moresuggested I visit the Antique Warehouse on 25th Street in Galveston, Texas. I had just gotten off work at 2 pm on Wednesday. I made two stops before I arrived at the warehouse. I was disappointed when I read the hours listed on the door and the sign said closed. As I was walking back to my vehicle I heard a loud banging on the door from the inside. A man opened the door and invited me inside. I told him I thought they were closed. The man said you can come on inside and take a look around. The man's name was Scotty, and he was the owner of the place. Let me tell you this, Scotty gave me the tour of a lifetime.
Scotty was helping a gentleman who had recently bought a church in Galveston, and he was converting it to a wedding chapel. We talked about St. Patrick's Catholic School. A school I attended as a child and what a shame it was that it was going to be demolished soon.
The conversation took a dramatic turn when Scotty asked me if I had heard of the movie The Green Book? I said yes, but I hadn't watched it. He said neither did I, but do you know what a Green Book was? I said yes, I do it was a book that listed where Black People could eat and sleep during times of segregation in the South. He said correct, and then he asked whether I knew I was standing in a place listed on the Green Book. I told him no, and then he said well follow me. I followed him excitedly like a little kid. I don't want to give too much away but let me just say this: Scotty took me on a million-dollar tour that involved stories of Orphans, The Roaring 20's, World War 2, Brothels, Speakeasys, Peep Shows, Movie Theatres, Ghost Stories, and more.
So, I would suggest that if you have time visit Mr. Scotty at the Antique Warehouse located at 423 25th Street. Galveston, Texas, and tell him Malcolm, who works for Galveston County, sent you. Regular hours are 11 am -3pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Don't forget to ask about a tour of the place. I promise you won't be disappointed. I'm a Galveston Native and I had never heard the stories he shared with me, and I've lived or worked in Galveston my entire life.