The Dow Chemical Collection - Founder’s Day Ceremony (1963)

Duration: 0:16:17

Year Published: 1963

Format: 16mm

Sound: silent

Description: In May 1963, Lake Jackson residents commemorated the 20th anniversary of the city’s founding with a week-long celebration. Festivities included a carnival, king and queen contest, cake walk, pancake supper, as well as a screening of films and slides from Alden B. Dow’s personal collection documenting the building of Lake Jackson. The festivities culminated on May 18 with a Founder’s Day program, seen in this film. Lake Jackson’s two founders—Alden B. Dow, son of Dow Chemical founder Herbert Henry Dow, and Dr. A.P. Beutel, the head of Dow Chemical’s Texas Division—attended and delivered remarks to the crowd. While this footage is silent, records reveal the content of their speeches. Both men praised the citizens of Lake Jackson, with Dow urging its older leaders to ensure quality in the further development of the city’s commercial area. This film is produced by the Texas Industrial Film Company.