National Register Listing

Woodward, David J. and May Bock, House

a.k.a. Woman's Club of San Antonio Clubhouse

1717 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX
The David J. and May Bock Woodward House/ Woman's Club of San Antonio Clubhouse was built in 1904-1905 by local businessman and building contractor David Woodward to be his last family home. With assistance from May Bock Woodward, Atlee B. Ayres, one of San Antonio's most noteworthy and prolific architects, designed the house in the Classical Revival style on a prominent site at San Pedro Avenue and French Place in the prestigious Alta Vista subdivision. The Woman's Club of San Antonio acquired the house in 1926 following the death of David Woodward. It has served as the clubhouse and center of activity for this community organization for almost seventy years. The property is eligible at the local level under Criterion A in the area of Social History for its association with the Woman's Club of San Antonio, Criterion B for its association with David J. Woodward, and Criterion C in the area of Architecture as an excellent example of early 20th century Classical Revival domestic architecture in San Antonio. The name, the David J. and May Bock Woodward House/The Woman's Club of San Antonio Clubhouse, is derived from the names of the only two owners of the property since it was constructed on the edge of what was then the city of San Antonio. At the top of a rise overlooking the center of San Antonio, just north of San Pedro Springs, Mr. Woodward bought as many as ten lots in the Alta Vista subdivision for the construction of his new home and associated outbuildings. He later developed or sold all the lots he did not use. At the turn of the century, Alta Vista and its neighboring subdivision, Monte Vista, were attractive locations for San Antonio's wealthiest citizens to build new houses. Although at the edge of town in 1900, San Antonio was the state's largest city with a population of 53,321 and the city quickly engulfed the new subdivisions. The Woodward House is now in the center of San Antonio which has grown to encompass all of Bexar County with a population of nearly one million people.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

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.

architecture social history houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Texas random facts
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.