well experienced in standing in front of a microphone. Probably the first political candidate anywhere in the U.S. to campaign with a band, he toured the state with his Hillbilly Boys, and his popularity as a radio announcer swept him to the office of Governor in January 1939. He had no hesitation standing at the podium at the noon session of the dedication on April 21, while Houston Mayor Oscar Holcombe and University of Houston President Edison E. Oberholtzer look on.

The crowd during Gov. W. Lee O'Daniel's speech at noon on April 21, 1939. The bright sunshine caused many of the men to keep their hats on, a breach of etiquette for those seated on the platform. Others in the audience shaded their eyes with their programs.

O'Daniel broughthis entire family. Sons Mike and Pat were part of the well-known Hillbilly Boys, and daughter Molly charmed the media.

Notoriously solumn-faced, even Andrew Jackson Houston had a hint of a smile when greeted by the O'Daniel family.

After the speech, Merle and W. Lee O'Daniel visited the Observation Floor. The road along the north side of the reflection pool, visible here, was later removed.

The O'Daniel family also visited the exhibit galleries. Museum director Ike Moore and archivist Malcolm McLean spent the night before the opening installing the exhibits. Many of the exhibit cases, manufactured by Remington Rand and delivered in pieces about two weeks before the opening, are still in use in the gallery today.

This photo shows part ot an exhibit of Thomas W. Streeter's collection of Texana, on