Hear Our Houston
public generated
audio walking tours
Magnolia Park
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40 minutes
6 miles, walking and driving
From Hidalgo Park to 7000 Avenue Q 77011
Dr. Irene Porcarello and Mr. Frank Partida take us on a fun, inspiring, and informational tour from Hidalgo Park to the Turning Basin and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
Along the way, Dr. Porcarello discusses the importance of having a voice at the table, having policymakers from the area who advocate for the area, holding corporations accountable, and providing equitable education.
As Mr. Partida discusses the neighborhood's history of organizing for equal rights, he points out historic sites including a block where the League of United Latin American Citizens and Sociedad Mutualista Benito Juarez once stood, and the building where the KKK used to meet.Â
As we pass sites of the grain elevator, the cotton compresses, the turning basin, and the Southern Pacific Rail Road, we hear about the important industries that made Magnolia Park a transportation and economic hub and a hub for Mexican American families fleeing the war.Â
We continue on to the Magnolia Park City Hall and the first jail. In our walk around Hidalgo Park we hear fun memories about movie nights, celebrations, and mischief from days passed and meet with the current little league president who describes community activity in the park as it is currently thriving.Â
Hidalgo Park Quiosco designed by Vidal Lozano commissioned and dedicated by the Mexican American community under the leadership of A. G. Gonzales dedicated when Houston annexed the City of Magnolia Park on September 16, 1934, the anniversary of Mexico's independence
Baseball Fields
Family celebrations at Hidalgo Park
The Bayou
A drive through the tunnel
Views of the industry, Franklin School, and YWCA
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Magnolia Park City Hall
route
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Dr. Irene Porcarello
Dr. Irene Porcarello, President at Houston Community College Southeast and native Houstonian, is a highly qualified educational administrator offering over 30 years of proven leadership experience at one of the largest urban community college in the nation. Dr. Porcarello has served in multiple leadership roles by working in collaboration with the Chancellor's Executive cabinet in planning, administering and implementing educational and workforce training programs that help prepare students to meet the workforce challenges of the 21st century.
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Additionally, Dr. Porcarello, a prolific grant writer, has served as Principal Investigator of multiple federal grants focused on STEM scholarships opportunities for underserved student populations.
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Since 1982, Dr. Porcarello has worked in key leadership positions at HCC. These leadership positions include: Vice Chancellor of Student Success; Vice Chancellor of Institutional Development; Deputy to the Chancellor; and Dean of Student Services. In July, 2008, Dr. Porcarello was appointed as President of HCC Southeast College.
Frank Partida
I was born and raised in Magnolia Park. Following the example and encouragement of my grandfather, Elias Ramirez, who was a founding member of LULAC and Sociedad Mutualista Benito Juarez, my training in the art of serving the community began at the tender age of ten. I handed out Councilman Phil Hamburger's hamburger shaped pushcards at the polls when he ran against Mayor Oscar Holcolmbe in1938.
In the 1950s I joined LULAC Council 50 in its stand for Hispanic Rights, worked with the American Legion distribution food for the needy, and worked to educate and inspire Senior Citizens to exercise their right to vote.
In the 60s I participated in the "War on Poverty Program," held the post of Election Judge in Precinct 65, campained at De Zavala Park "For Community Progress!," served as Vice Chairman of the Harris Country Community Action Association Board, and as President of the United Organization Information Center. I received the honors of "El Simbolo Award" as "Outstanding Mexican-American of the Neightborhood" for the State of Texas, and had "Frank Partida Day" declared by Mayor Welch for my work on poverty programs benefiting senior's day care, troubled youth, on the job training, and Grandparents programs.
In the 80s, after playing ball for 31 years, I was inducted to the Magnolia Tigers Baseball Hall of Fame.
I've served as Trustee, Vice President, and President of the "Old Timers" and President, Vice President, Secretary, and Trip Coordinator of Magnolia Multi-Purpose Center for a total of 7 years.
In 2006 Mayor Bill White dedicated another "Frank Partida Day" for my work with youth and seniors.
In 2008 I helped organize the Magnolia Park Historic Preservation Association and put up historical markers.I was co-chairman of Houston Centennial Parade 2010.
I received the awards of "Zaragoza Award for Commuity Service" by the National Mexican American Historical Sociery, "Champion of Civil Rights" by AARP, "Man of the Year" by the Old Timers Club, "Hispanic Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement" by Mayor Bill White.
In 2010 I served as Chairman of the Greater Magnolia Park - Pineview Civic Club and as a member of the Metro Transit Community Advisory Board.
I am now a founding member of the El Dorados club that meets, hosts dances and raffles, and supports the longtime residents of Magnolia Park.
