Betting Booze and Brothels Paperback – October 1, 2006

We all were aware that this was going on but never knew just how widespread over the county that it was and how many prominent people it involved in one way or another.

The book covers the entire county. I wish there had been more about the Port Arthur area than was included.

Having grown up in Port Arthur, Texas during the time of this open vice situation, I especially enjoyed this book. The writers seemed to know the characters although they were probably too young to have had the opportunity.Their style was not along the lines I would have expected -- just the facts, m'am, but open and freeflowing with a touch of humor in the right places.They also explained the justification many in the community had for accepting open prostitution and gambling. I applaud Landrey and O'Toole for their work.

A great read if you love local history. Beaumont, Texas and Jefferson County made major headlines in the 60's when the James Commission was sent by the AG to clean the community up. Ms. O'Toole does a masterful job in detaining the debauchery and the subsequent sterilizing. I have purchase numerous copies and given them to city officials who have no idea of the history of the city and county that they serve. The book is well written and thoroughly captivating.

I’ve purchased it twice. Once for myself, because it’s about an area I live at and the second time to send to my daughter, as she was interested in the story.

Fun look at Southeast Texas history.

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I lived in the area during this period and the authors did a great job.