Rockport, Aransas County
When popular hangout “Capt Davis’ Drive-In,” owned by brothers Marvin, Jack and Charlie Davis, burned to the ground in 1942, Charlie’s wife, Mollie Davis, vowed to rebuild it and hired local builder Alva O. Freeman Sr. construction of the art moderne building, featuring curved walls and glass block windows, was finished the same year. After Charlie Davis died in 1945, the Davis family began to lease out the property. Herbert “Shorty” Kline and his wife, Gloria, established local staple Kline’s Café and purchased the property in 1968. They were known for their signature steaks and homemade pies. Kline’s Café closed in 2002. Though the building was later moved four blocks, fond memories of the significant establishment remain. (2022)