National Register Listing

Teachers State Association of Texas Building

a.k.a. House of Elegance

1191 Navasota, Austin, TX

The 1952 Teachers State Association of Texas Building in Austin, Texas, is significant for its association with the Teachers State Association of Texas (TSAT), which was involved in the struggle to desegregate public schools and to win equal rights and pay for African-American teachers.

The 1952 Teachers State Association of Texas Building in Austin, Texas, served as the headquarters of the state African-American teachers' association from 1952 through 1966. The building meets Criterion A, in the areas of Education, Social History, and Ethnic Heritage/Black at the state level of significance, due to its major association with a segregated state organization for black educators before and during the Civil Rights Movement and for its association with members of the TSAT such as Hazel Harvey Peace that were prominent Texas educators. It is significant to the history of education in Texas, as the Teachers State Association of Texas (TSAT) was involved in the struggle to desegregate public schools and to win equal rights and pay for African-American teachers. The building is important also for its association with John S. Chase, who was the first African-American to register at the University of Texas (1950), to receive an architectural degree from the University of Texas (1952), to become a licensed architect in the state of Texas (1952), and to gain membership to the Texas Society of Architects and the Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Mr. Chase was also one of the original founders of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) (1971), the first African American to serve on the Unites States Commission of Fine Arts (1980) and is a noted architect still practicing in Houston.

The building was used as an office by the TSAT up until 1966, when the organization was dissolved. Since the occupation of the building by the TSAT is the main foundation for its eligibility, and the TSAT was active in working for Civil Rights until its dissolution, the period of significance is from 1952-1966. The building meets Criterion Consideration G (Properties that Have Achieved Significance within the Last Fifty Years) because it is exceptionally significant as a building used by a statewide organization to strive for educational equality in Texas during the Civil Rights Era.
Local significance of the building:
Black; Social History; Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

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.

ethnic heritage black social history education
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

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

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

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.