Over the years Houston has played host to a number of events both social and civic. In 1928 the Democratic party had its convention in Houston. Jesse Jones played a pivotal role in getting this event for Houston. A site was picked just across the street from the Criminal Courts building and adjacent to Fire Station number 2. To bring this location into modern focus, the new Hobby Center for Performing Arts sits on the same spot today. Since time was a factor the construction of the structure accelerated to a very brisk pace. No loafing on this job site. Some six months later, the center was ready for the horde of political hobnobs and power brokers. For security purposes the convention hall was surrounded by a tall chain link fence with barbed wire. Houston’s finest manned the gates to insure the protection of all.