OldHouseLover

Sorry @ my response to Plumber ended up on same post.  Both plantation style homes were very important to the EE.  Hope more information can be obtained about their history.  OldHouseLover

On Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 2:07 PM, RobNPhx said:

Does anyone have any knowledge of what may have been an old Southern plantation, or a very old plantation-like home, that once occupied the area just south of the intersection of Polk and Wayside? I grew up just west of that area (Jefferson and Henninger) and seem to recall at least one old and dilapidated stucture, covered by dense foliage and surrounded by several really old trees, back in that general area. Back in those days (mid 60's) I would ride my bike all along the railroad tracks, from Jefferson up to Polk, then scoot over to that area around Wayside. It was maybe some time between '64 and '67 that I discovered the place.

I distinctly remember thinking that the place seemed kind of spooky and that I probably shouldn't be there, but my natural curiosity always got the best of me, so I kept going back until I either lost interest or forgot about it. One thing that really stood out about the place, aside from it's creepy feeling, was the row of shanty-style houses that occupied the lot. If memory serves me well, I think there was a manor home, as well. At least it looked to my young eyes like a smallish Southern plantation-style manor home. What I considered back then, and still do this day, was that the place had once been either a prominent manor house with multiple guest quarters, or it was a slave plantation, or both.

Now I admit that my memory may be somewhat clouded, or perhaps even totally off-track, but from time to time I have such vivid dreams of that place that I will wake up and think "Wow! Why do I keep thinking of that place after all these years?"

If anyone has any information, I would love to hear about it--one way or another. Thanks.\

 

I realize I'm rather late responding to this post.  If memory is correct, the old plantation style home was located that is now an elementary school on Wayside between Polk & Lawndale by Country Club Estates.  I have read the story of the old home, but forgotten.  This home was destroyed ca. late 1980s to make way for the school & I think some apartments.  Another platation style home is located across Wayside in back of the gold course & very near the original part of the cemetery.  I think it was sold ca. 2000? & is still standing.  I stopped to take picture of it one day & an elderly lady came out of the house & did give the impression she was pleased with my interest in the house:).  I'd love to know the story of that plantation style house.  Oh, yes!  It overlooked the bayou!  I'm wondering if a ship captain family may have built it?  Anyone with any knowledge, please share so we can learn more about these houses which are a rich part of the Harrisburg/EE history.  OldHouseLover

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 4:27 PM, samagon said:

I was too young to pay attention 27 years ago when my grandmother still lived on dismuke and truett, and didn't decide to move to this part of town until 8 years ago.

welcome to the forum.

After many years on the forum, I'm seeing the corner of Dismuke & Truett mentioned.  Hubby grew up in EE & we owned house on NW corner of Dismuke/Truett for @ 30 yrs.  The estate we bought "as is" with the trappings of a person who could not throw away much of anything.  We spent 6 weeks cleaning out the 2 story house & the city hauled away @ 6 trucks of trash.  We learned an imprtant lesson about dumpster divers:):).  For reasons unknown, that area [subdivision leagl name:  Sunnylan ..yes, no "D" in spelling] was difficult to sell for as much per sq ft as other areas.  But it offered quick access to Freeway, short cuts to Gul Gate Mall viaTelephone/Dismuke/Wayside without getting on Freeway.  Plus Henderson Elem. School was 2 blocks away.  Very good family community.   When we bought in mid 80s, 2 city  busses ran on Dismuke.  By 2005, had to walk to Lawndale to catch bus.  The petty crimes in the area seemed to get more attention than other areas of EE making it a tough sell for owner/renting.   Sunnylan offered a good low price per sq ft and condition in the EE & prime location.  It also offered good access to the Medical Center/U of H/Port of Houston/Hobby Airport/Before the beltwey, Wayside was used as connection from I-10 to SE Houston & Med Ctr [via McGregor/OST].  The East End/town of Harrisburg was vital to the growth of the City of Houston.  My Grandmother emigrated from Germany to Port of Galveston & she told the story many times of coming from Galveston to Harrisburg by oxen drawn wagon in axel deep mud ca. 1885.  The family settled in Washington Co., TX.  Nothing has been said of the mode of travel from Harrisburg to Burton, Washington Co., TX.  Harrisburg, TX.  was very instrumental in the growth/settlement of central Texas.  Hopefully, the future of EE can be recognized for it's contribution to the growth of not only Houston, but all SE Texas.

RE:  City inspectors........  In the middle 80s, we were "red tagge" & went thru the permit process.  When project completed, we left red tag in window & wrote our names/phone #s/etc. & called inspector for final inspection.   No response.  We just gave up.  My opinion=someone called in on us.  The permit money was paid & the important thing [$$].  Never had issue with permits again.  Now, the internet can handle the mundane tasks:).

Never thought I'd post in this board, but...

 

I graduated from college almost a year ago, and I'm still stuck in College Station with a near minimum-wage job. I've managed to get interviewed in Houston no less than four times, and all have been busts so far. So, with the meager ownings saved up from miscellaneous years, I'm considering just moving there to live in a larger area with the classical "leave home to seek fortunes" plan. I already have an idea of where I'm moving, it's just I have no idea if it's any better than what I've got now. I basically feel like I'm out of options, and my job here (and other prospects) is going nowhere. What do you guys think? Is it worth it?

If you haven't found a place to live, I have 2 vacant rent homes in Oak Forest.  Good luck in job search.  You will find your future & take time to smell the roses.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2015/05/08/spec-building-to-break-ground-at-geosouthern.html

http://kirksey.com/news_and_resources/for_immediate_release/wildwood_corporate_center_ii_breaks_ground_relocates_100_year_old_trees

 

I believe from the additional location description that this is the building in question. Wildwood Corporate Centre II.

Sparrow-Thanks for the info!  I remember the old oak trees & am glad to know they were properly relcated.  Hope they survive for many more years.  I'm beginning to receive the "I want to buy your house" cards in the mail.  Although the houses that are updated/remodeled don't seem to be selling quickly in the older sections.  The proposed new subdivisions with new homes are very attractive to employees thinking of moving near work.   Could easily ride a bike to office.  If SawMill had bridge over Spring Creek, ould ride bike to Exxon-Mobile. Great forum as someone always has the answers to any questions.

Thanks for the info!  Making the existing lanes more narrow is freightening!  I'll have to sedate hubby when I drive:)   Also I qustion the "soft lanes"  with double lines.  Hope everyone obeys the rules of the game.

Wow!  Can't wait for 2 on each side!  Being in my 70s & remembering here to Dallas 2 lanes, this is a "big thing:.  Hope I don't sound dumb, but if you could explain the difference between soft & hard lanes, I'd be most appreciative.  Thank you for sharing your information.  Let's enjoy the extra lanes!

Going North on I-45 today past the HOV/EXPRESS exit, I noticed the concrete wall has been removed in last few days on inside/fast lane.  Is the HOV/Express lane being extended in near future?  Hope so!  But where will Woodlands exit be located?  I know 242 was mentioned in past as the extension point, but seems there would be exit @ Woodlands Parkway.  That would make more traffic congestion:(.  Anyone in the know?

Which corner of Sawdust/Budde is this on? Nothing went before the Houston planning commission it seems. 

Being in Montgomery Co., it may not be on Houston's planning commission.  It's behind the shopping center on South side of Sawdust & corner of Wildwood Forest Re.  Wildwood Forest instersets I-45 by the Discount Tire location.  There are apartments across Wildwood Forest from the construction site.  It's near Legands.  Pruitt connects I-45 & Budde at Legands & is favorite short cut for me to I-45/Hardy Toll Rd, but the feeder is getting too much fast-moving traffic to safely get across the 3 lanes of feeder to I-45 entrance ramp.  .

Didn't that go up quick!!  Been wondering about it also.  My thought is an office building or apartment high rise as it's very close to Exxon-Mobile campus.  Would be good office space for Exxon-Mobile support companies office space.  I live nearby & it just seemed to "go up overnight".  Probably what made the famous BBQ trailer move to old town Spring.  Development is great for economy, the the traffic it brings makes me feel like I'm on Westheimer:).  I like Budde to get to I-45 as much less traffic than Sawdust, but the feeder road is getting much more traffic.  Where is it coming from and/or going to?  

Check out the Eastwood area of the East End in SE part of town.  It's in the shadows of UH campus across freeway from UH down Cullen.  OakForest is in NW part of town, not convenient to UH [unless downtown campus].  With light rail in East End, you have more options than in the past.  Flipping & builders doing urban renewal gives the Harris & surrounding appraisal districts reason to up values, taxes increase [especially on rental property...no homestead exemptions] & insurance follows with increased costs.  I'm not being negative about urban renewal, just being honest.  After 50 yrs in the rental business, the cycles keep rolling.  What's hot today, may be cold tomorrow.  As Kenny Rogers sang "you gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run".  Big decision with my grey hair & price of oil per barrell [which makes Houston tick].  I wish you well in your search.  Being native Houstonian & having had property in East End,  I'd pack a lunch & drive the East End as many rentals are not on Multiple Listing, just signs in yard [as I do].  Many think East End not safe, I never had problems in the 30 yrs I owned property there.

Which college do you attend?  These 2 houses are next to each other & near 610/290/T.C. Jester/W.43rd.  Is that convenient for you? 

   contact email:   h.house@aol.com

Convenient location just outside loop!  610/290/W.43rd/ area. Minutes to downtown, galleria, med center & beltway 8/airport & I-45.  2 1950s houses next to each other.  [1] 2 bedrooms [one is large master with walk-in closet & half bath], hardwood floors,  1241 sq ft [hcad] one car garage & shady, very private wood fenced back yard.  No smoking, pets on case by case basis. It's a cutie!  $1300/mo

[2] 3 bedrooms 1 1/2 baths. 2 car garage,  Master has half bath with walk-in closet.  Hardwood floors, doors & trim.  It is 99% original in detail. it has private back yard with 3/4 of it wood fenced.   No smoking, pets on case by case basis.  Has newish [09] double driveway. 1414 sq ft per hcad.  $1600/mo

Please contact by above email address with questions.   If your not familiar with Oak Forest, it neighbors Garden Oaks just outside Loop 610 & has great shopping center & restraunts nearby.  It is going thru the West University transition with remodeling & new construction scattered thru the subdivision.   290 has large variety of name brand eating establishments.  St. Ambrose Church/school is few blocks away.  T. C. Jester park offers jogging trail & green space.  Mangum Manor park [down street from my houses] also has walking/jogging trail & tennis court.   My houses are brick, built in early 50s.  I'm hands on landlord who cares about my rentals.  Average tenants stay 18 months to 5 years.  Thank you for viewing my posting.

I DON'T HAVE OWNERS MANUAL BUT LOOKS TO SEAT 4.  I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HOT TUBS.  IT WAS ON PROPERTY WHEN BOUGHT.  SINCE INSTALLED, A 6' WOOD FENCE & GATES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED, SO GETTING IT OUT WILL BE TRICKY!  NEED GROUP TO GET IT.  I WILL GET MFG & MODEL IF FINDABLE.  MOTOR IS TAKEN APART & IN GARAGE.  DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE IS WRONG WITH TUB OR IT'S WORKINGS.  IT HAS A COVER WHICH IS IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE.  HAS NO STEPS TO GET IN.  NO GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES.  I ?THINK? IT WAS INSTALLED !@ EARLY 1990S?  GETTING IT OUT WITHOUT DAMAGING HOUSE/FENCE IS A HUGE CONCERN FOR US.  IF INTERESTED, PLEASE SEND PERSONAL MESSAGE.  THANKS & ENJOY THE FORUM!

LOCATED IN OAK FOREST [WEST].   THANK YOU

Highly desirable & convenient Oak Forest 1950s original CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN 3/1.5/2 has original natural knotty pine paneling/cabinets & woodwork thru out home with original tiles in kitchen & baths. Great location near T.C. Jester/610/290 with 290 HOV & Park & Ride.  Prefer no pets. NO SMOKING!email:  h.house@aol.com  please put house for rent in subject line  AVAILABLE NOW! I lived in OF 50 yrs. Wonderful convenient & affordable subdivision!  Thank you HAIF

No pictures, but family legend that my Grandmother's family came from Germany ca. 1890 to port of Galveston & traveled by ox drawn wagon to Harrisburg.  Grandmother was child & said mud was axle deep much of the way from Galveston to Harrisburg.  The family traveled on the Washington Co., TX,  No info regarding how they traveled from Harrisburg, TX to Washington Co. TX.  Best of luck with your project as Harrisburg/East End has long been neglected/forgotten.  The movers & shakers of Houston originated from Harrisburg.  Sad it's history has been forgotten.

FOR SALE IN EAST END LAWNDALE WAYSIDE AREA. Super Location with great potential! Asking "AS IS" $65,000 CASH.  NO OWNER FINANCING or CRATIVE FINANCING.  1 1/2 STORY IN NEED OF REHABING/RESTORATION/UPDATING. THIS IS NOT "GRANDMA'S HOUSE".   BEEN RENTAL. IT'S SIMPLE 1940!!  4 BDRMS 1.5 BATHS. NO GARAGE, BUT ROOM ON BOTH SIDES OF CORNER LOT FOR DRIVEWAYS.  YARD AMPLE ROOM FOR GAR. APT, POOL, GARDEN/ETC.  KITCHEN/BATHS SMALL IN COMPARISON TO HOUSE.   NEED ADVANCE APPT. FOR SHOWING.  PRICE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.   HCAD:  HOUSE 1485 SQ FT/LOT @ 6300 SQ FT

FOR RENT IN OAK FOREST:  3/1.5/2 AVAILABLE SOON.  NEAR 290.  1950 ORIGINAL. $1400/MO.  IT IS NOT FOR SALE

FOR EITHER PROPERTY, PLEASE EMAIL & SPECIFY WHICH PROPERTY:  taxesrents@aol.com

Does anyone have any knowledge of what may have been an old Southern plantation, or a very old plantation-like home, that once occupied the area just south of the intersection of Polk and Wayside? I grew up just west of that area (Jefferson and Henninger) and seem to recall at least one old and dilapidated stucture, covered by dense foliage and surrounded by several really old trees, back in that general area. Back in those days (mid 60's) I would ride my bike all along the railroad tracks, from Jefferson up to Polk, then scoot over to that area around Wayside. It was maybe some time between '64 and '67 that I discovered the place.

I distinctly remember thinking that the place seemed kind of spooky and that I probably shouldn't be there, but my natural curiosity always got the best of me, so I kept going back until I either lost interest or forgot about it. One thing that really stood out about the place, aside from it's creepy feeling, was the row of shanty-style houses that occupied the lot. If memory serves me well, I think there was a manor home, as well. At least it looked to my young eyes like a smallish Southern plantation-style manor home. What I considered back then, and still do this day, was that the place had once been either a prominent manor house with multiple guest quarters, or it was a slave plantation, or both.

Now I admit that my memory may be somewhat clouded, or perhaps even totally off-track, but from time to time I have such vivid dreams of that place that I will wake up and think "Wow! Why do I keep thinking of that place after all these years?"

If anyone has any information, I would love to hear about it--one way or another. Thanks.

The mansion & a Church were located on what is now an elementary school property located just North of the intersection of Lawndale & Wayside...a few short blocks from the Fwy. & near Idylwood & Country Cub Place. Loving old houses, I always wanted to see inside. Don't know who owned/lived there. The Church was beautiful as well. If memory serves me correctly that Church merged with thel Church on corner of Dismuke & Gulf Fwy at Telephone Rd. This Church also was closed for a while recently, now I'm seeing work being done. A sign was being put up. Anyone know anything about it? I had kinda thought the Church on Dismuke/Fwy. would be bought & used as a private school for the area because of it's convenient location. Always loved the stone on the Church. Sad most of the old Churchs & old large homes are disappearing. There is still a plantation style home in the Forest Hills area by Forest Park Cemetery & overlooked the bayou. It had been for sale several yrs ago. Need to drive by & see if it's been updated or ?

There was a Chuck Wagon on W. 34th st. next door to Waltrip High School, about the 1300 block. I know that it was in operation from the mid 50's until around 1968, likely longer than that.

Wheel Burgers were $.35, Hub Brurgrs were $.25 and Spokes were $.25. They had the best tater tots ever made. When you called to place an order, they answered the phone Chuck Wagon #9. The location is now an abandoned auto repair.

The only better hamburger I ever had as a kid was at Linder Lake. Now that goes back a long, long time.

There is still an old building on Broadway that has the wagon top. I'll see if I can get a pic.

Best hamburgers/steakburgers ever is still in operation in the East End.......CHAMP BURGER on Sampson a block N. of Harrisburg. Always service with a smile, quick & price is right! Been in business @ 50 yrs by same family. I use every excuse imaginable to swing by for breakfast sandwich [bacon for mine]. Chuck Wagon on 34th was good also. Still remember the tall slim man who was there every time. Next door was the convenice store ?Brennens? which had a great meat dept. Another long time business is the Aztec Tool rental. Owner has made a fortune. Was small building & now has half the block & some down in next block near TC Jester. Always nice, knowledgeable people there......Walking memory lane.

Here is a closeup of the same year aerial that Firebird65 posted. That is Airline Dr to the right.

Thanks for the close-up. Thanks everyone for memory lane walk! Old saying is true that we learn something new every day. With the dates, I'm realizing we moved from N. Side Houston in mid40s-mid50s, during the time the airport was operating. Amazing you mentioned Blue Bell as we had family friend living on the street & remember the diversion freeway caused. Hardy Toll Rd is really slow going from 610-downtown. Some clearing by tracks, but can't see real progress. At this rate, I may not live long enough to use it:). Kids probably will have convinced TDL dept to not renew my license:). Hopefully, when Exxon-Mobil is completed, it will pay for itself. Then Bltway 8 will probably compete for traffic?

I-45 had the same effect. Blue Bell Rd south of West Rd used to connect. After the freeway was built you had to go to either W MT Houston or West Rd to get to the other side. However the construction of the bridge at Sweetwater Ln (Hacker Rd) and W Mt Houston Connected neighborhoods previous separated by Halls Bayou.

While I've always liked driving on the Hardy Toll Road, but it's been a complete failure. It has being unable to make the minimum payment on its bonds. The county has been using revenue from Sam Houston Parkway to make the payments. It's biggest shortfalls has been not extending it to downtown (in the works since the early 90s) and not having any express roads connecting I-45 between 6-10 and Beltway 8.

firebird65, thanks for the pictures. I remember prior to I-45 being built. Going to Conroe area there was lots of open space between Little York to [in fact] Conroe:). Small businesses scattered along the way. I'll ask my 90+ yr old relative who still lives in the N. side area about the airport. He's lived on N. Side all his life. Long ago, my family lived on land near Parker & Jensen. I've heard many stories about the Epson Downs race track [which became a drive in theater & is now??]. The area was farm land back then. Jensen was a main business district for the area. Saturdays were like the old expression "kicking an ant bed" as the husband's worked all week using the only car the family owned. Saturday was shopping day. The Weingartens [during the 50s] was the only large grocery store for miles & the check out lines very long. Epson Downs tract was quite a social gathering place. Sad what has become of the area as the residential areas nearby are huge lots with beautiful trees. Hardy Toll Road also played a part in the decline of the area because it seperated the N. Side neighborhoods. Progress comes with a price.

INTJ-Due to hearing loss, socializing leaned toward negative responses.

On a 1952 Houston road map there is an airport shown north of West Road and west of Airline Drive. Somewhere in the vicinity of where Aldine High School is today. Was there ever an airport at this location? -- Also just curious if anyone has any old pictures of Andrau Air Park.

Andrau Air Park was in Alief. Being native senior citizen raised on North Side, I have no memory of airport anywhere on N. Side. Blimp base was across from Spring Hi School, Hooks in NW county is my only memory. In the 50s, there was quite a bit of model airplane flying, but don't think a field would be on a map. By the way, as west of Airline, was it between Airline & I-45?

Continuation of above post. Below are some of the MLS #s of houses for sale in the area. Short on time, scanned quickly, but these few give an idea. Thanks for kicking my creativity in gear to show some changes .

HAR.COM MLS #s

91431703

55290412

36496030

92247042

11161088

The next 2 are on Dismuke [which runs N/S thru this area], but are N of Lawndale leading into Country Club Estates

13635241

41465884

None of these properties are mine, nor do I know the agents or property owners.

Have many pics. Started to download them several times. Being a very private person, I feel posting pictures of other person's homes online without their permission is an invsion of privacy. I am not going to take a pic, knock on the door & try to explain HAIF & my reason for taking pic & ask permission. I've had to explain pics for tax protests numerous times. I highly respect confidentiality & privacy. No, I wouldn't put address on pic, but the older homes are very individual & easily recognized. In my opinion, the pictures of Sunnylan on this forum are so very negative & I don't think anyone on the forum would want the same negative pics of their neighborhood used on the forum. Really puts down the 'hood. May not be River Oaks, but it's very affordable & the location is hard to beat.

Sunnylan is actually very small subdivision between Dismuke & Sunnyland St.near Lawndale. There are actually 4/5 small subdivisions within the triangle of Sunnylan Street [runs by Villa De Matel Convant], Lawndale & Telephone Rd. Lawndale & Telephone merge into Telephone at the Gulf Freeway. This is a popular area for families with small children as Henderson Elem. sits in the middle of the triangle making this area excellent for rental property. It's a sleeper area. Investors tired of high taxes in Heights need to look at this area. Same style houses. In fact, some of the builders in East End built in Heights also.