Conroe is located within Montgomery County and boasts an interesting history. From epidemics and two early 20th Century fires, to its eventual revitalization by oil production.
Discover its rich local history at the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County. Its displays include a 1924 Grogan/Cochran house which displays antique farm equipment.
Historic Downtown Conroe
Conroe was propelled forward by its location at a pivotal crossroads for railroad lines in East Texas’ Piney Woods and by its lumber boom that ensued therein. By late 1800s, this small community boasted five steam-powered saw and planing mills, five brickyards, a cotton gin, gristmill, hotels, general stores and church congregations; local tobacco was even shipped here!
Bank and Courthouse were built, while by the early 1930s streets had been paved for the first time and the ornate Crighton Theatre had been constructed on Courthouse Square. Oil discovery seven miles southeast of town spurred population and economic resurgence for both city and county.
Today’s visitors to historic downtown Worcester will find plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment in its historic downtown district. Art lovers will want to visit Campobella Bronze Fine Art Studio where artists such as Craig Campobella have displayed his works; or catch an exciting play or concert at either Owen Theatre or Crighton Theatre.
The Crighton Theatre
Crighton Theatre, established in 1934 and located in downtown conroe isd sso, is an historic performing arts center. Built between 1934-1935, it hosts various performances, from stage productions to orchestra pit performances and balcony seating arrangements. Additionally, its lobby boasts highly polished red brick flooring that resembles cobblestones while boasting large chandeliers positioned either side of its lobby space.
The theater is part of the Montgomery County Foundation for the Performing Arts and is host to Stage Right Productions, Sounds of Texas Music Series, Christian Youth Theatre performances and available to rent for other events.
At the Crighton Theatre in Houston is staged the popular musical comedy, “The Futrelle Sisters.” Set during Christmastime in small-town Texas, our sisters don’t seem to be in an especially festive spirit: Cranky Frankie is weeks overdue for her second set of twins; Twink is in jail after leaving her husband; while hot-flash Honey Raye attempts to keep the Tabernacle’s Christmas Program on track.
The Owen Theatre
The Owen Theatre is home to Montgomery County’s oldest community theater group, Players Theatre Company, offering some of the finest plays and musicals in Texas. Boasting 250 soft seats for maximum intimacy, The Owen Theatre forms part of Historic Downtown Conroe district.
The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County offers an immersive look into Montgomery County’s rich history from prehistoric times through to the 1930s. Additionally, this exhibit displays a model of the first county fair as well as Dr. C.B. Stewart’s office from which he designed Texas state flag.
Lake Conroe in Conroe is an angler’s dream with high catch rates and 156 miles of shoreline that draws trophy bass to this fishing haven. Visitors may also spot Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Red-breasted Nuthatch while admiring Conroe’s picturesque waterfront view. Alongside outdoor activities, Conroe boasts an active downtown scene featuring breweries, theatres and shopping. In addition, Conroe boasts an active music scene that earned Conroe an official “Music Friendly Community” designation which provides great opportunities to discover new artists or discover your next favorite band!
The Conroe Art League
Conroe Art League (CAL) is an organization of artists that display and teach classes at its gallery at the Madeley Building at 127 Simonton Street. Open year round, this gallery also hosts monthly adult member shows; winners receive ribbons with cash prizes awarded as first, second and third place winners being displayed for three months in their gallery.
The CAL sponsors a variety of community programs, such as an Great Books discussion group and performances of opera, ballet and orchestra for elementary students. Furthermore, they support Heritage Museum of Montgomery County and offer an active scholarship program for students.
Root for Conroe, an environmental program administered by CAL, promotes healthy trees in Conroe and Montgomery County through tree planting and education. Their annual Tree Disbursement event gives away free hardwood trees with planting instructions to local residents. Maegan joined CI as their representative covering education, local government, transportation and business.