Notes From the Archives (Legacies)

Yesterday dad and I were in Houston making a delivery, and because it was close, we swung by our old building off Harrisburg street in the east end of Houston, Tx. As we drove down the street, he spent a lot of time pointing out the old buildings. From who use to operate there, to some of his own memories of fun times. I couldn't help but feel sad as he reminisced about the old days, because all these buildings he was pointing out, are now mostly abandoned empty shells. Seeing all of that made me realize three things. 1. That progress will keep moving forward whether you are ready or not. 2. That not all progress is good. 3. Things happen, whether good or bad, things happen. This, made me reflect further on how City Awning even begain. Interestingly enough, the concept of City Awning was born out of a tragedy. In honor of those lost, and because of the recent anniversary of the storm, here is the a condensed version of the story.

Before the 1900 storm of Galveston, the Juneman's own a dairy farm in Galveston (there is a neighborhood there now named after us). My great grandfather (Julius Frank Juneman) was the only member of his family on that farm that survived. The bodies of his father, mother, and sister were never found. The house was destroyed and all livestock died. At 19 years old, and with the farm now gone, Julius got a job. After a couple of jobs that didn't work out, Julius went to work at his brother in law's company. Unfortunately, the company failed. Not being one to quit, and having enjoyed the work, Julius drew his savings and bought the company and equipment at the auction. He then organized City Awning & Tarpualin Co around 1920 when he was 39 years old. Four Generations, and almost 100 years later, we are still going strong.

*Julius John Juneman on left. Tommy Graybill (Julius J. Juneman's brother in law) on right at our Harrisburg location circa 1950.

*From left to right: Bryan Juneman, Jay Juneman, Michael Juneman.