Sept 13, 2008: The Balinese Room is no more

Galveston Island lost a piece of its heart and soul last week with the destruction of "The Balinese", an iconic nightclub with a colourful history of entertainment, dancing (and illegal gambling), after nearly eighty years of existence.

In its heyday, it was host to such entertainers as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, George Burns, The Marx Brothers, Jack Benny, and others too many to mention. The 600 foot pier leading to the club was lined with many autographed photos, memorabilia, and murals.

During the "mob years" of the 1940's and 1950's, the club was a site for illegal gambling, with its 600-foot pier serving as a "buffer zone" between the casino and the Texas Ranges, who frequently attempted raids. The Rangers were foiled by a lookout who would signal the casino as they entered. The operators had ample time to conceal the gambling tables and equipment before the rangers would reach the end of the long pier. They were frequently greeted by a rousing chorus of "The Eyes of Texas" by the patrons.

It was commemorated by the band ZZ Top in 1975, by the song of the same name.

In the 1980's and 1990's it was unoccupied, decaying and seemed destined to an early demise. In 1997, it was acquired by the State of Texas and declared a national landmark.

In 2001, a local attorney, Scott Arnold, took out a 60-year lease on the pier, and restored the Balinese to its former glory. The copper tooled palm trees, wall murals, and magnificent arched ceiling were largely intact, and returned to pristine condition. The resurrected Balinese hosted many local acts, karaoke, and private parties. It contained a gift shop, tobacconist, massage therapy room, and barber shop. While largely a labour of love, the Balinese ironically was turning a profit in its final years.

In 2008, after having survived hurricanes Carla and Alica, as well as numerous smaller storms, the seventy-nine year old Balinese Room was finally overwhelmed by Hurricane Ike. The building was lifted off of its supports, blown against the seawall and reduced to rubble. Nothing remains of the structure save the pylons. It is not known at this time whether or not the irreplaceable photos and artwork were removed to safety prior to the storm.

The loss of the Balinese leaves a gaping wound on the Galveston Seawall that will be a long time healing and it will never be the same. We had many a good time there and will miss the place dearly. Special thanks to Scott Arnold for restoring it and giving us seven wonderful years and memories for a lifetime.

"And everybody knows,
It was hard to leave,
And everybody knows,
It was down at the Balinese"
-ZZ Top

Definitely the end of an era. So sad.

Teresa
http://MermaidLady.com