It has been nearly three years, but two of the most important institutions here in Seabrook, Texas will be returning following the devastation of Hurricane Ike.

Our library is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday. And within the next couple of weeks we will see the return of everyone's favorite restaurant -- Tookie's, home of some of the best burgers you will ever sink your teeth into.

Tonight there is a little shindig in the parking lot, along with a bit of music and some prizes. I dropped in for a couple of moments, took some pictures, and came home to share with my readers a bit of what I saw.

Of course, the building is right there on 146, just a stone's throw from NASA Road 1. And yes, the beloved green and yellow color scheme will remain in place.

Those who came this evening even got a tour of the building, home of Seabrook's best burgers since 1975.

Some things won't have changed.

Like the woodwork.

And the great stuff off the walls that gave the place it's atmosphere.

It will be back -- they promise.

But some things have changed -- like the owner. Barry Terrell (who own's T-Bone Tom's in Kemah, another local institution) has bought out original owner Jim Spears.

Still, what matters most is the food; and the menu will be the same as it was on September 13, 2008, the day the building was flooded by the storm surge that inundated our community and seemed to have put an end to our local tradition.

The target date for the re-opening? July 4, 2011 -- the 36th anniversary of Tookie's original debut in 1975. So when the doors open, be sure to drop on by for a Squealer, a T-Bird, or a Double Dog. And don't forget the onion rings.