John McCann, president of the Galveston Convention and Tourist Bureau
Parade Marshall Charles B. Smith, president of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce
Houston Radio Patrol
El Mina Temple Drum and Bugle Corps
Senator John Tower of Texas drives by the crowd
A dog, who appears to be driving
Texas DeMolay, a fraternity for young men
Sea & Ski Tanning Lotion float
Affiliated National Hotel
Jax Brewing Corporation float
Falstaff Brewing Corporation float
Arlington marching band
Hula Hut
T. D. Armstrong, who defied racial prejudices prevalent at the time to own multiple businesses, including Armstrong-Strode Funeral Home, Armstrong Drug Store, T.D. Armstrong Reality, and Tyler Life Insurance Company, one of the largest Texas-owned, predominantly African-American insurance companies in Texas
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This 1961 home movie captures the Layer family enjoying time together during Splash Day, an annual event in Galveston, featuring parades, a beauty contest, and music. From 1920 to 1965, Splash Day signaled the beginning of the summer tourist season in Galveston. At its height, the pageant attracted so many spectators that it tripled the island’s population during the weekend when it ran. This film shows the 5-mile long parade down Seawall Boulevard, featuring floats from several beer companies, the US Air Force and US Navy, and numerous local businesses and organizations. While Galveston no longer celebrates Splash Day, many of the same events are celebrated during the Galveston Island Beach Revue.
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