You're listening to shortwave from NPR.

I think I know the guy that is this, what's his name?

Mama's house?

I think so, yeah, Keith.

Sometimes if you're really lucky as a reporter, someone is willing to give you a personal

tour of their hometown.

It's really the best way to see a place.

That's what happened when producer Ryan Kelman and I visited Port Arthur, Texas earlier

this year.

Our tour guide was former city council member John Beard.

You know that's my old high school, their Lincoln high school.

And that's why I also, the band used to practice when I was in band.

What was your instrument?

Clarenette, unfortunately.

John's roots in Port Arthur are so deep.

Now with that little yellow house here is my aunt lived there.

That's the Jockept family home.

Willie Jockept is my wife's mother's cousin.

That was my godparents house and right here is where I was born and raised.

Ain't much down here no more.

This used to be a happening strip to here.

There were beer joints, stores, confectionaries, barbecue pits.

...