Well I think you may have solved my problem.
I changed to another LCD/i2c adapter combo and got the following results almost immediately:
16:21:06.869 ->
16:21:06.869 -> I2C scanner. Scanning ...
16:21:06.902 -> Found address: 39 (0x27)
16:21:06.902 -> Done.
16:21:06.940 -> Found 1 device(s).
I will now try these components on the HUZZAH32 and the WROOM boards.
I cannot thank you enough for suggesting the UNO.
I will report back with my results later.
Thanks again for you help.