National Register Listing

Sewall, Cleveland Harding, House

3452 Inwood St., Houston, TX
The Cleveland Harding Sewall Residence at 3452 Inwood in the heart of the River Oaks section of Houston, Texas, is an outstanding example of the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that was popular in this country during the period from 1915 to 1930. Designed by the noted Texas architect Ralph Adams Cram in 1924, the house represents his most outstanding residential work. Mr. Cram was commissioned by the Sewalls because he had designed the original buildings on the Rice University campus and Mrs. Sewall was fond of his architectural style. The Sewalls moved into their new residence in 1925.

Mr. Sewall owned a wholesale grocery company, Gordon Sewall & Company Marine Division. He was a very successful businessman and enjoyed entertaining Houston society in his home with its spacious gardens. After his death in 1942, Mrs. Sewall assumed management of the wholesale grocery business.

The house sits on a tract of six acres in the center of River Oaks and adjoins the River Oaks Country Club on the north edge. Mr. and Mrs. Sewall furnished their palatial residence with Spanish, Jacobean, and Mediterranean furnishings and tapestries from Europe. Mrs. Sewall died in June 1973 at the age of 84 and willed her house and its fine furnishings to Rice University. Miss Louise Franklin, Mrs. Sewall's companion for 28 years, moved from the house in December 1973 along with the other servants. The Fine Arts Department at Rice University has retained most of the valuable furnishings, but the house has been left vacant and unattended since December 1973. During the time that has elapsed since the servants and Miss Franklin moved from the premises, the house has been brutally vandalized. Almost every window has been broken as well as the fine mirrors. Rice University's board of governors has voted recently to sell the property into three two-acre tracts at $5.00 per square foot for a total of $1,300,000. At the present time, the Texas Commerce Bank, executor of the estate for Rice University, has had an inquiry from a private individual to purchase the property, restore the house and grounds, and occupy it as a private residence.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Harris County in Texas has a significant history that shaped its growth and importance. Established in 1837, the county was named after John Richardson Harris, founder of the first settlement, Harrisburg. Houston, the county seat, became a prominent commercial and shipping center due to its strategic location and railroads.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.

Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.

Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.

With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Harris County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.

  • 1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.

  • 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.

  • 1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.

  • 19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.

  • 20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.

  • 1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.

  • Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.