Port Arthur Seafarers’ Center to host book signing Oct. 12

The Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center will host author Penny Clark, Special Collections Librarian at Lamar University in Beaumont, who will give a PowerPoint presentation and sign copies of her new picture book, Beaumont’s Civil Air Patrol in World War II, on Oct. 12 at 4 p.m.

Clark’s book discusses how important Texas oil was to the Allies. The Nazis were very aware of this and sent submarines into the Gulf of Mexico to blow up American ships carrying vital materials to the war. Southeast Texas was devastated by the loss of over 150 Merchant Marines, or men serving on civilian ships.

This destruction spurred the creation of the Civil Air Patrol, in which civilians left from 21 bases located from Maine to Mexico, taking small single-engine airplanes over the oceans protecting ships from attack. This book tells the story of Base 10, located at the Beaumont Municipal Airport. The work they performed was dangerous and four men lost their lives. All but two of the photos from the book are taken from Lamar University’s Special Collections.

Clark says she is “delighted” to appear at the Port Arthur Seafarers’ Center, as Rev. Sinclair K. Oubre was instrumental in providing information on the loss of the Merchant Marines and introducing her to Port of Port Arthur Director and CEO Larry Kelley, whose knowledge of aviation was invaluable to the book.

The event promises feature fun, fellowship and food. Join Clark and friends at the Seafarers’ Center at 4 p.m. on Oct. 12.