Historical Marker

Grossman-Graham House

Marker installed: 1999
Marker size: 27" x 42"

A. C. Erwin, owner and developer of Corpus Christi's elite Oak Park subdivision, probably had this house built about the time Oak Park opened in 1929. Designed by local architect N. W. Hardy of the firm of Hardy and Curan, this became the home of Russian Jewish immigrants Ed and Sadie Grossman, who purchased it in 1931. Ed Grossman was part owner of Grossman Brothers Department Store, The Carmel Corporation, a Corpus Christi shopping center, and a real estate business. The Grossmans both were active in Corpus Christi social and religious affairs. Ed Grossman was a founder and the first president of Corpus Christi's Temple Beth El, and Sadie was the founder of several Jewish women's organizations.

Tom and Virginia (Deaver) Graham purchased the property from the Grossmans in 1935. A native Texan and the son of a circuit-riding Methodist minister and his wife, Tom Graham was president of the Tom Graham Oil Company. By the 1940s his companies operated more than 200 oil and gas wells with production in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois and Kentucky. The Grahams also were active in Corpus Christi civic and social affairs. Tom Graham died of a heart attack in the house in 1948; Virginia Graham sold the property in 1955.

The house boasts mission-influenced arched gateways and parapets, but the structure most markedly exhibits quintessential Spanish colonial revival and Mediterranean features, including the stucco finish, hipped tile roof and arched columned porches. The house and vegetation-rich landscape are integrated to create several intimate exterior spaces, which is a coveted attribute of the Mediterranean style.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1999

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

Classical Revival (architectural style) houses residential buildings design and construction
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
Texas random facts
Nueces County, located in southern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area first saw human habitation thousands of years ago, with Native American tribes such as the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan peoples inhabiting the region. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers claiming the land for the Spanish crown. However, it wasn't until the early 18th century that the first permanent settlements were established.

In 1828, the Mexican government granted land to Colonel Henry Lawrence Kinney, an American entrepreneur, who founded the trading post of Kinney's Trading Post near the Nueces River. This marked the beginning of Anglo settlement in the area. Nueces County was officially established in 1846, following the Texas Revolution and subsequent annexation of Texas by the United States.

Throughout the 19th century, Nueces County played a significant role in Texas' development. The town of Corpus Christi, which served as the county seat, became an important regional trade center due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The county flourished as a shipping hub for livestock, cotton, and other agricultural goods.

The county's history was greatly influenced by its participation in several military conflicts. During the American Civil War, Corpus Christi served as a center for Confederate forces, and the county witnessed both Union and Confederate occupation. Additionally, the county played an important role during World War II, with Corpus Christi becoming a major training center for Navy pilots.

In recent times, Nueces County has continued to grow and evolve. The county's economy has diversified, with tourism, oil and gas, and the military being major contributors. The region boasts numerous attractions, including beautiful coastal beaches, cultural sites, and a vibrant culinary scene. Today, Nueces County remains an important and thriving part of Texas' history and economy.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Nueces County, Texas.

  • 1836 - Nueces County is established as one of the original counties in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1845 - Texas becomes a state of the United States, and Nueces County remains part of the state.
  • 1848 - The county seat is established in Corpus Christi.
  • 1850 - The population of Nueces County reaches 756 residents.
  • 1852 - The Corpus Christi Cathedral is constructed, becoming a significant landmark in the county.
  • 1872 - The railroad reaches Nueces County, leading to increased economic development and population growth.
  • 1875 - The Nueces County Courthouse, built in the Renaissance Revival style, is completed.
  • 1900 - A devastating hurricane strikes the county, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1914 - The Port of Corpus Christi is established, becoming a major hub for trade and industry.
  • 1931 - The Nueces County Courthouse is expanded and remodeled to its current appearance.
  • 1940 - Nueces County experiences a population boom, with the county's residents totaling over 101,000.
  • 1987 - Hurricane Gilbert causes widespread destruction in Nueces County and the surrounding areas.
  • Present - Nueces County continues to be a thriving center for commerce, industry, and tourism.