I just came across a mention that the remaining structures of Sea-Arama Marineworld, the long-defunct marine park in Galveston, Texas, were torn down in September-October. As I never got a chance to visit the remains up-close, I'm really disappointed to hear they're no longer standing.
I wrote about Sea-Arama for Weird Texas (p.271, where the title was inexplicably changed to Sea-Arama Marineland) after I discovered the park's ruins by accident while investigating the mysterious Kettle House (p.152). And when I found out what the unusual buildings were, I was informed by my parents that I had actually been there when it was open. I had visited with them back in the '70s, along with my grandparents and my older brother, when I was a baby.
Evidently, this was my first road trip, which of course makes Sea-Arama my first official roadside attraction. Since learning this, I've taken to researching the park's history and collecting old Sea-Arama souvenirs. Even though I don't remember the original trip, I've developed a special fondness for the place.
Well aware the property had changed hands and was in jeopardy of demolition, I've been meaning for months to return and explore the park's ruins more closely, having previously been able to photograph them only from outside the fence. Unfortunately, with learning the news of Sea-Arama's demise, I now know I'm too late.
I've searched NewsBank's newspaper archives and it appears the demolition never even made it into the news. Yet another classic roadside attraction, as well as a wonderful example of midcentury architecture, passes into oblivion without notice.
