The Woodlands commenced its 50th Anniversary weeklong celebration with a Kickoff and Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony held on Monday, October 14 at the Hughes Landing Band Shell overlooking Lake Woodlands.
Community leaders, elected officials, and representatives from Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township gathered to mark the historic milestone. Jim Carman, President, Houston Region with Howard Hughes, and Dr. Ann Snyder, Chairman of the Board of Directors, The Woodlands Township, served as hosts of the Kickoff and Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony. Local elected officials presented The Woodlands with congratulatory recognition.
“It’s an honor to be here today, as we celebrate the start of an amazing week of events to commemorate a remarkable journey, spanning half a century of vision, innovation and excellence as well as a promising future for our award-winning and nationally recognized master planned community,” Carman said. “It all started 50 years ago this Saturday, October 19, when our Founder George P. Mitchell grand opened The Woodlands. It was George Mitchell’s vision to create an all-encompassing, integrated community where residents could live, work, play, learn, heal and pray among a natural forested and preserved environment. This vision has helped guide The Woodlands to be recognized for many awards from environmental stewardship to being ranked the #1 community to live in America in 2021 and 2022 by Niche.”
Congressman Dan Crenshaw, who was in attendance, said, “It’s really no wonder why The Woodlands is consistently proclaimed one of the best places to live in the United States. Over the past 50 years, George Mitchell’s vision has become a model that many other communities try to emulate. It’s a place where people can live, work, play, and pray without ever going too far from home. It’s easy to see why The Woodlands is booming, and I look forward to the great things that come over the next 50 years.”
The contents of the time capsule reflect The Woodlands' proud history and vibrant presence. Adorning the lid of the time capsule, The Woodlands' 50th Anniversary logo stands as a testament to the present, awaiting its reveal half a century from now.
Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township included several items in the time capsule, including a letter from Jim Carman to future residents, anniversary commemorative items like The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Photo Book, a historical timeline, an anniversary video complete with an iPad to play it in 50 years, a Town Center site plan designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, and a Challenge Coin, among others.
Local organizations also contributed historical items including Interfaith of The Woodlands, The Woodlands Fire Department, The Woodlands Resort and The Woodlands Rotary Club – who have all recently turned 50 or will soon. Items from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, George’s Coffee Club and the family of George Mitchell, who will also include items in the time capsule.
Additionally, memories of The Woodlands were shared by Bruce Tough, Hometown Hero and community leader, and Grant Irons, Hometown Hero and son of the late Gerald D. Irons, Sr.
“What a special time it is for our hometown!” stated Snyder. “Part of George and Cynthia’s vision included a spirit of generosity, which continues today, with our residents and local businesses positively impacting our community.”
The Woodlands' 50th Anniversary festivities take place Monday, October 14 to Saturday, October 19, 2024, showcasing the community's heritage, philanthropy, sustainability, environment, and public art. For more information, TheWoodlands.com.
