THROWBACK THURSDAY: How Victoria Has Changed
It's time for another Throwback Thursday article about Victoria, Texas. The past 20-25 years of development and changes are happening so quickly So I thought it would be fun to take a look at some 'then and now' photos. While we are at it, let's take a look at how Victoria Mall has also changed through the years.
VICTORIA MALL IN THE NINETIES
BLUE WATERS:
Welcome to Victoria, this used to be Blue Waters, now known as Saxet Lake and Patriot Park. However, if you were born in Victoria, it will always be known as 'Blue Waters'
PETE'S FINA MART:
Welcome to Victoria, this used to be Pete's Fina Mart. The home of presale tickets, oil changes, and inspections. We miss you, Pete!
DUNLAPS:
Welcome to Victoria, this used to be a Dunlap's. Shopping options used to be plentiful on Laurent including Dunlap's, which will be soon be the new Mr. Gattis in Victoria.
JUAN LINN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
This was the location of Juan Linn Elementary School from back in the day. Here is how it stands today as part of the Detar Hospital campus! Stanley Elementary is another school is no longer with us.
HASTINGS:
Welcome to Victoria this used to be Hastings. Actually, that could be said about three different locations, I believe. Where Wall-E Party and Specs. The last Hastings location is now Planet Fitness.
TEJAS CAFE:
Welcome to Victoria, this used to be a Tejas Cafe. Now Foggy's. The food used to be epic, especially the Three alarm chicken fried steak with jalapenos, pico, and queso.
PJ'S SEAFOOD:
Welcome to Victoria, this used to be a PJ's seafood! This place was awesome, the seafood was fantastic. La Carreta #2 now calls this home.
PAYLESS SHOE SOURCE:
Welcome to Victoria, this used to be a Payless Shoe Source. Now a furniture store. This side of town will have a different look very soon. There will be a Chick-fil-A across the street in the near future.
DICKS FOOD STORE:
Welcome to Victoria, this used to be a Dick's Food Store. Of course, we still have the location on Crestwood. However, there used to be Dick's locations on Lone Tree and Moody Street. Both of those are now Dollar Generals. The Moody Street locations still looks the same.
WATER STREET BUSINESSES:
Welcome to Victoria, Water St. used to be poppin'. There was Urban's Grocery Store, the Washateria, Alkek's at the corner of Bridge and Water, and most recently Rosita's Bakery.
RIVERSIDE CONVENTION CENTER:
Welcome to Victoria, this used to be the Riverside Convention Center. It's very sad just to see a slab of concrete. So many great live shows there and the later days included Kickers and Liquid Lounge.
MRS. BAIRDS BAKERY:
Welcome to Victoria, this used to be Mrs. Bairds' Bakery. If you grew up in Victoria, you can still sorta smell this picture.
WORST ROADS IN VICTORIA
COMMONLY MISPRONOUNCED TEXAS TOWNS