Fez1964

I graduated from Mt. Carmel in 1983 and can say that the education I received from there made me a more rounded person. From this education, I had the interest to go to college and receive a bachelor's degree. I would not be who I am today if it were not for Mt. Carmel. As a Hispanic from a blue collar family from the East End, Mt. Carmel provided me an alternative education not offered in my zoned school district. And I am not the only one. Many other Hispanic families similar to my background realized the importance of Catholic education. These families would rather spend their incomes on tuition costs for their kids' education than upgrading their lifestyles and move out from the inner-city into the suburbs. Our families had different priorities. Years ago, there was rumors that Mt. Carmel might move to a different location, a site more centrally located along I-45 in southeast Houston. Here is a website dedicated to saving this unique school: http://www.savemtcarmel.org/

Inspired by the efforts of Magnolia Park to get a Texas historical marker for the community, the Catholic church of Immaculate Conception has also shown interest in obtaining a historical marker as it nears its centennial anniversary in 2011. Founded by Oblate Catholic priests in 1911, Immaculate Conception addressed at 7250 Harrisburg is perhaps Magnolia Park's oldest surviving institution. The church's influence goes beyond Magnolia Park. Immaculate Conception founded Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic church at 2405 Navigation in 1912. Then in the late 1910s, a priest from Immaculate Conception was visiting the newly developed Park Place community to conduct Mass for Catholics residing there. From this missionary effort, St. Christopher Catholic Church at 8150 Park Place Boulevard was organized in 1922. It is my understanding that Immaculate Conception also had an influence in organizing Our Queen of Peace Catholic Church located at 3011 Telephone Road. The first church building used by Queen of Peace in 1942 was transferred from the property of Immaculate Conception. As I survey the Queen of Peace parish, I notice that there is a second smaller building on Telephone Road which resembles a church. Perhaps someone out there can collaborate this history. And as the history of Immaculate Conception continues to be researched, other interesting aspects of the church may be uncovered. Stay tuned.

In my research, the old City Hall building of Magnolia Park at 7301 Avenue F served as Voting precinct #64 for the area before the precinct was moved to the YWCA building on Navigation. Can anyone provide information on this?

I don't have a photo, but a new building has been installed where the old structure stood. I attended Blessed Sacrament in the late 1970s and remember the old building. The top story was a spacious social hall with a stage. We would have our pep raillies, stage events and school dances there. The street level was where my sixth, seventh and eighth grades classes were held.

Wonderful photos and good luck with the website! The photos showing De Zavala school students of the 1930s are cool. In one of your photos, I see Jesse Jones and Franklin Delano Roosevelt in what appears to be a parade. I assume this was taken in Magnolia but do not know of the details. Can someone provide information on this photo? Also, the photos of the baseball teams show that they played in some kind of stadium. Was this stadium located in Magnolia?

Listed below are some of Magnolia's surviving community landmarks that were established before 1930. These landmarks will be referenced in the written narrative that will support the proposed Texas historical marker. I have included brief histories and sources. I would appreciate any additional information and comments on these landmarks. Immaculate Conception - Located at 7250 Harrisburg, this Catholic church was established in 1911. (Sources: the Archdiocese Galveston-Houston website and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps of Magnolia Park) Hidalgo Park - Addressed at 7000 Avenue Q, this city park was established in 1927 shortly after Houston annexed Magnolia Park in 1926. I understand that this park was an important focal point for the community during the first half of the 20th century. (Source: City of Houston Parks Dept. website) Franklin Elementary School - Located at 7101 Canal, this school was established as early as 1913 and was named the Magnolia Park Public School. (Source: HISD website and the 1925 Sanborn Fire Insurance map of Magnolia Park) Immaculate Heart of Mary - Catholic church addressed at 7250 Avenue K and established in 1926. Before 1925, the site had what was called a "Presbyterian Mexican Church." By 1929, Immaculate Heart of Mary also had a school on the grounds. It is my understanding that this church was established as a mission to Magnolia's Mexican-American community from Immaculate Conception. (Sources: the Archdiocese Galveston-Houston website and the 1929 Sanborn Fire Insurance map of the area) Lorenzo De Zavala school and city park - School was started as early as 1920 to serve Magnolia's Mexican-American community and was originally addressed at the corner of 75th St. and Avenue H. The park was established in 1945. (Sources: HISD website, City of Houston Park Dept. website and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps of Magnolia Park) American Legion Hall - Addressed at 7547 Avenue C, this social hall was established between 1925 and 1929. (Sources: Sanborn Fire Insurance maps of the area) Sociedad Mutualista Benito Juarez building - Originally a theater for live peformances and movies before 1925, this building located at 7320 Navigation became a social hall for this mutual aid society in 1928. (Sources: the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance website and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps of the area)

Yes, there is definitely an interest in these items. Perhaps they can be showcased at any upcoming centenial celebrations of Magnolia. From time to time, local libraries have exhibitions and these items could be displayed in libraries of Magnolia such as the Stanaker branch and Park Place branch.

Cemeterywolf, Can you cite for me the source of this history as we will use it in our efforts to secure a historical marker for the community? I am still looking for information on the Magnolia Park City Hall building located on at Avenue F and 73rd. I would like to get it recognized as a Registered Texas Historical Landmark.

Cemeterywolf, What kind of artifacts from Magnolia Park's past do you have to share? Depending on what you have, these items can be displayed in one of the area's libraries or perhaps an exhibit can be created at the Magnolia Park City Hall building on Avenue F. The City of Houston owns the building and I have contacted someone in the City of Houston to assist in having the building declared as a Registered Texas Historic Landmark. Hopefully, this declaration can be completed in time for the centennial of Magnolia Park where your artifacts can be displayed. As a member of the Harris County Historical Commission, I can refer your artifacts to others around Houston and see what kind of ideas can be shared. Send me a personal email when you are ready. Thanks for your efforts.

One of the more interesting figures in Texas' fight for independence, Lorenzo De Zavala was a high ranking Mexican statesman who broke from the dictator Santa Anna and was one of the primary drafters of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Thanks for your kind words and helpful suggestions. As I read your ideas, I realize that the Magnolia Park City Hall building at 7301 Avenue F should be declared a Registered Texas Historical Landmark. I will pursue this project as well. Can someone provide me a history of the building? I understand that the City of Houston currently owns it. It looks like it is still in very good shape.

In 2009, the area in Houston's East End known as Magnolia Park or Magnolia, as we know it today, will complete 100 years of existence when it was declared a municipality in 1909. I have heard that there are celebrations in the works to honor the centennial. It has been suggested that Magnolia Park receive a Texas historical marker to honor the community. I am a member of the Harris County Historical Commission which oversees the county's historical marker program. I have completed historical marker projects for a few subjects including the historic Harrisburg-Jackson cemetery located off of Bowie St. and Lawndale St. near Milby High School. Born and raised in Magnolia, it would be my honor to mentor a private effort to get the community a historical marker. Are there any interested groups willing to sponsor this project? The effort to get a marker should begin soon so that it can be unveiled for the centennial celebration. As I think of the marker, I wonder where it should be installed in the community? Perhaps it can stand as Magnolia Park's original City Hall at Avenue F and 73rd St. Or maybe it can stand in one the area's City parks or at one of the community's entrances.