FEBRUARY 1992
See Houston as it was 30 years ago in photos of a Montrose landmark, rodeo performers and I-45 Drive-In
By J.R. Gonzales

Onstage at the Astrodome

If it's Feburary in Houston, it's rodeo time. If it's rodeo time in Houston, it's concert time. That year, the acts included Patti LaBelle, Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Color Me Badd and the Texas Tornados featuring, in these photos, Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender and Flaco Jimenez.

Montrose landmark

Michael Griffin, at right, the gregarious proprietor of Grif's, toasts the tavern's financial survival with his regulars, including, from left, Dorsey Mehr and Bobbie Jean Mehr, Feb. 6, 1992. Considered Houston's oldest sports bar, it's located at 3416 Roseland.

Far East football

Oilers owner Bud Adams and head coach Jack Pardee announce plans for the Oilers to play the Cowboys in Tokyo, Japan, in August in the American Bowl, Feb. 13, 1992.

Brother In Arms

Mark Knopfler, right, of Dire Straits, at the Summit, Feb. 13, 1992.

Homecoming

The USS San Jacinto travels up the Houston Ship Channel past the San Jacinto Battleground, Feb. 6, 1992.

Gone

The Kennedy Corner Building at Travis and Congress is demolished, Feb. 26, 1992.

Chinese New Year

Celebrations take place at the 9300 block of Bellaire, Feb. 8, 1992.

In the studio

KRBE (104.1) DJ Scott Sparks, Feb. 18, 1992.

When B.B. came to town

Blues legend B.B. King performs at Wheatley High School as part of its Black History Month program. "Stay in school," he told the students. "The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you."

On the job

New Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich at the Summit, Feb. 18, 1992.

The Steady Mobbin Tour comes to Houston

Rapper Ice Cube on stage at the Unicorn on Feb. 9, 1992. Photographer Ben DeSoto also managed to shoot some of the concert goers who turned out. Critic Rick Mitchell noted that the 2,400-capacity venue was half-full, a far cry from his 1989 sellout at the Summit with N.W.A.

Golden years at the Golden Arches

Angie Runnels, right, otherwise known as "McGranny," laughs Friday with Keith Braud on the eve of her one-year anniversary of employment at the McDonald's at Loop 610 at Fannin. The 91-year-old grandmother earned national recognition for being one of McDonald's oldest employees. She has appeared in commercials and corporate press packets since she was hired, Feb. 7, 1992.

The view along South Main

In this next series of photos, photographer E. Joseph Deering captured some of the sights on South Main for an upcoming feature. These first few photos show Kiddie Wonderland, with 3-year-old Stephanie Ignacio ringing the bell on a firetruck at the amusement park, Feb. 27, 1992. Also pictured is her sister, Allison, with their father, Edwin Ignacio.

More lost sights on South Main

Here, Jeanne Clyborn, left, and Don Krejchi are at her bar, Jeanne's Place, located at 14221 South Main, Feb. 27, 1992. Next we drop in on Vernell Flowers, center in blue shirt, playing dominoes with the customers at her ice house at 11305 South Main. From there we'll take a look at some long-gone businesses on the busy roadway.

In Frenchtown

Sisters Mabel Guillory, left, Lena Mouton and Sarah Patt reminisce about the early days of Frenchtown, when everyone spoke French and neighbors would dance all night long to zydeco music, Feb. 23, 1992.

In the neighborhood

Rapper Scarface, far right, visits his old neighborhood in South Acres and enjoys time with friends Wayne Holly, left, Corry and Lil' T.

In downtown

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade, Feb. 15, 1992.

Presidential workout

President George H.W. Bush jogs at Memorial Park, Feb. 28, 1992.