Mary Armstrong: A Freedwoman
Mary Armstrong, a formerly enslaved woman, was interviewed by the Works Projects Administration (WPA) at her Houston residence on August…
Houston's Freedmen
Byrd Watching
Where lies Tom, the beloved mascot of Houston’s Fire Department?
On November 15, 1947, Sigman Byrd shared the charming story of Tom, the hound dog mascot of the Houston Fire…
Houston's Freedmen
Sarah Ford: A Freedwoman
Preface This post is the first of a new category, “70 Years of Freedom,” which will consist of the first-hand…
Uncovering Houston
Desegregation Showdown: Rev. Bill Lawson v. HISD
On June 21, 1965, two days after Juneteenth, Reverend Bill Lawson led roughly 500 protestors on a three-mile march from…
Business Directory
Japanese Art Store
The Japanese Art Store was a popular gift shop owned and operated by Tom Brown Okasaki. The Japan-themed shop carried…
Business Directory
Ideal Tire & Repair Company
Ideal tire shop would’ve been located at the upper-left corner of the block 18, the south-west corner of Louisiana and…
Business Directory
Yale Street Pharmacy
Yale Street Pharmacy was founded by Abel and Mildred Dupuis in 1923. This husband and wife pharmacist duo originally intended…
Business Directory
Kaplan General Store
Kaplan General Store got its namesake from store owner and operator, Dave Kaplan. He lived above the store with his…
Business Directory
Cafe Sauter
Prussian immigrant, Gustav F. Sauter, was a locally-renowned pioneer in the Houston restaurant industry. He opened Cafe Sauter in 1880,…
Business Directory
Falstaff Mfg & Merc Company
Company Origins Lemp Brewery was founded in 1838 by German immigrant, Johann Adam Lemp. Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, Lemp…
Business Directory
Massey Business College
Massey Business College was a chain of business schools founded by Richard Massey in 1887. The first school was located…