By Karolyn Gephart
2020 marks a quasquicentennial year for Friendswood.
Mayor Mike Foreman shared this milestone event with the residents of the city In a recent Mayor Mike’s Minute Video.
This year is the 125th anniversary of the founding of the city.
In the spring of 1895, two Quakers, Frank Jacob Brown, an adventuresome buffalo hunter, and Thomas Hadley Lewis, a college educated man, felt led to the area that they named Friendswood.
In the history of the city that is posted on the city’s website and provided by local historian Joyce Baker, the two men were drawn by what looked to them as the promised land due to the four creeks framed with forests. They recorded the name of the new colony in Galveston on July 15, 1895.
In 2020 the city has grown to over 40,000 residents.
In celebration of this milestone, Foreman reported that celebrations will take place at the annual Fourth of July parade and events as well as throughout the year with special entertainment and programs at the Friendswood Public Library. Special videos will also be created by Joyce Baker.
A special logo for the year has also been created.
After 125 years, Foreman reported that while many things have changed in the city, three things have not.
“We have never abandoned the foundation that they (Brown and Lewis) established of faith, family and education,” Foreman said.
