Event Date: January 10, 2022
Location: Connally Plaza, The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park
Event: Gala
No. of Attendees: 100
Money raised: $30,000
Beneficiary: The Heritage Society
Chairpersons: Betty and John Cabaniss
Honorees: Susan Garrett Baker and Secretary James A. Baker, III
Emcee: Jim McGrath
Sponsors: Kirksey Gregg Productions, Betty and John Cabaniss, C. C. and Duke Ensell with Kirksey Gregg and Shay Calhoun, John L. Nau, Joanne E. Zumbrun, Minnette and Peter Boesel and Harriet and Truett Latimer
Décor: Kirksey Gregg Productions
Cuisine: Ballroom at Bayou Place
Photography: Jenny Antill
Houston Legends and Hometown Heroes Celebrated at The Heritage Society’s “Evening of Heritage”
For more than six decades, The Heritage Society has been front and center in telling the stories of the diverse history of Houston and Texas through collections, exhibits, the arts, educational programs, film, video, and other content.
In early January, their event titled Evening of Heritage-A Conversation with Susan Garrett Baker and Secretary James A. Baker event welcomed Houston Legends and Hometown Heroes Susan Garrett Baker and Secretary James A. Baker.
Emcee Jim McGrath and Board President Minnette Boesel welcomed sponsors Kirksey Gregg Productions, Betty and John Cabaniss, C. C. and Duke Ensell with Kirksey Gregg and Shay Calhoun, John L. Nau, Joanne E. Zumbrun, Minnette and Peter Boesel, Harriet and Truett Latimer and guests at this gala, which raised over $30,000.
Organized by co-chair Harriet Latimer and chaired by Betty and John Cabaniss, more than 100 guests gathered at Connally Plaza, The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park and were treated to the Bakers discussing their personal Houston histories. Susan was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital but lived on a ranch outside of Houston and did not see much of it in her early years. When she married, she moved to Houston and became a docent at The Heritage Society (along with Harriet Latimer and Betty Cabaniss). Jim was told very early that he had a big legacy to uphold. He grew up playing in the Baker Family Playhouse (now ensconced in Sam Houston Park, preserved, and protected by The Heritage Society), but while the girls played with dolls and had tea parties, he stored his elk heads there. He also elaborated on his cherished memories with President George H. W. Bush, especially their tennis matches.
Guests were treated to a “Sunday Supper” from Ballroom at Bayou Place and entertainment from pianist Jerry Atwood.
Socially present (not previously mentioned): Alison and Chris Bell, Peter Boesel, Dianne and Fred Burns, Jean Becker, Angela Caughlin-Cannady and Will Cannady, Anne and Tom Conner, Lily and Charles Foster, Kirksey Gregg and Shay Calhoun, Honorable Joanne King Herring, Jillian Jopling and Peter McGillivray, Stephanie Linder, Barry Moore, Roxann and Tim Neumann, Frank Rynd, Mary Sage, Marguerite Swartz, Ashley and Peggy Smith, Tiffani and Devaron Yates.
