Galveston Island lost a piece of its heart and soul last week with the destruction of "The Balinese", an iconic nightclub with a colourful history of entertainment, dancing (and illegal gambling), after nearly eighty years of existence.
In its heyday, it was host to such entertainers as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, George Burns, The Marx Brothers, Jack Benny, and others too many to mention. The 600 foot pier leading to the club was lined with many autographed photos, memorabilia, and murals.
During the "mob years" of the 1940's and 1950's, the club was a site for illegal gambling, with its 600-foot pier serving a s a "buffer zone" between the casino and the Texas Ranges, who frequently attempted raids. The Rangers were foiled by a watchman who would signal the casino as they entered. The operators had ample time to conceal the gambling tables and equipment before the rangers would reach the end of the pier. They were frequently greeted by a rousing chorus of "The Eyes of Texas" by the patrons.
It was commemorated by the band ZZ Top in 1975, by the song of the same name.
In the 1980's and 1990's it was unoccupied, decaying and seemed destined to an early demise In 1997, it was acquired by the State of Texas and declared a national landmark.
In 2001, a local attorney, Scott Arnold, took out a 60-year lease on the pier, and restored the Balinese to its former glory. The copper tooled palm trees, wall murals, and magnificent arched ceiling were largely intact, and returned to pristine condition. The resurrected Balinese hosted many local acts. It contained a gift shop, tobacconist, massage therapy room, and barber shop. While largely a labour of love, the Balinese ironically was turning a profit in its final years.
In 2008, after surviving hurricanes Carla and Alica, as well as numerous smaller storms, The Balinese was finally overwhelmed by Hurricane Ike. The building was lifted off of its supports, blown against the seawall and reduced to rubble. Nothing remains of the structure save the pylons. It is not known at this time whether or not the irreplaceable photos and artwork were moved to safety prior to the storm.
The loss of the Balinese leaves a gaping wound on the Galveston Seawall that will be a long time healing and it will never be the same. We had many a good time there and will miss the place dearly. Special thanks to Scott Arnold for restoring it and giving us seven wonderful years and memories for a lifetime.
For those of you who were fortunate enough to visit when it was open, count your blessings. For those who didn't, you missed something very special.
Below are a collection of images.
Postcard view:
The main club over the water, looking southeast:
Entrance to the pier:
Entrance to the main ballroom:
The mural at the entrance:
The stage:
Ballroom, copper trees and arched ceiling:
Artwork in the main ballroom:
Stage, trees, artwork and ceiling:
Porthole on stage left:
And sadly, the remains of the club scattered on Seawall Blvd
:
Now memories are all that we have. Please feel free to share any that you may have.
Edited by Mermaid Lady, 19 September 2008 - 06:41 PM.
