Mackey, William, House
313 E. 37th St., Houston, TXThe William Mackey House (c. 1915) is among the earliest houses in Independence Heights. William Mackey served several important roles in the local community including Camp Commander of the American Woodmen Camp and founder of the Unity School of Christianity. The property is eligible under Criterion A in the area of Ethnic Heritage (black) at the local level of significance, and Criterion C in the area of Architecture as one of the best surviving examples of a modified L-plan form at the local level.
The William Mackey House date from about 1915 and served as the home of a one of the community's most important leaders. By 1915, William Mackey became the Camp Commander of the American Woodmen Camp 272 and Tent 272. The American Woodmen Camp was one of three active fraternal organizations in Independence Heights. Fraternal organizations played a significant role in African American communities of the period by providing a social outlet as well as important functions. Such organizations often offered members insurance programs and benefit not available through private insurance companies. This service attracted many African Americans to membership. As Camp Commander, Mackey led the fraternal organization and maintained the vital link to the larger fraternal organization. No properties associated with other fraternal organizations remain in Independence Heights.
The Mackey House also served as the initial meeting place for the Unity School of Christianity. Although little is known about the school, it was one of the many religious groups that organized in the community during the early 20th century. Several extant church congregations began in the homes of local residents, but almost none of these remain.
The William Mackey House is also a good example of the modified L-plan form popular at the turn of the century. The house is largely intact and reflects local builder and homeowner preferences for a traditional house form.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.