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27. Texas and local history

 Record Group
Identifier: 27
Archival collections documenting Texas and Local Houston-area history.

Found in 313 Collections and/or Records:

Osterhout Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0355
Abstract Correspondence, drawings, maps, scrapbooks, pamphlets, newspapers, and other papers, of John Patterson Osterhout (1826-1903), relating to his early life in Pennsylvania, early impressions of Texas, work as a judge, service in the Confederate Army, and leader of the Republican Party in Texas, and of his son, Paul Osterhout (1859-1944), relating to his studies at Baylor University and University of Pennsylvania Dept. of Medicine, activities fighting yellow fever during the digging of the...
Dates: 1836 - 1941; Majority of material found within
Found in: Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas

J. Russell Wait Port of Houston papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0346
Abstract

Business and personal records of J. Russell Wait, Director of the Port of Houston from 1930-1947, offering a comprehensive history of the Port of Houston's construction, facilities, finances, clients and operations from 1931-1962. During this time, the Port of Houston grew from the nation's twelfth largest port to its third largest. Materials also relate to the Brazos River Harbor Navigation District, Houston Ship Channel maps, and scrapbooks on WWII and Japan.

Dates: 1927 - 1964
Found in: Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas

Jack Burke Jr. papers/Champions Golf Club records

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0525
Abstract Champions Golf Club was founded by golfing greats Jimmy Demaret and Jack Burke, Jr. in 1957 with the purpose of promoting the game of golf and bring active competition to its members and guests and to host significant national championships. The club is located north of Houston, Texas along the FM (Farmers Market road) 1960. This collection includes photographs, business papers, correspondence, news clips, and area maps from 1956 to 2007. The collection consists of 24 boxes and cartons with...
Dates: 1956-2017
Found in: Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas

Merchants and Planters Oil Company archives

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0260
Abstract

Correspondence, contracts, credit reports, and leases in this collection document the business of Houston, Texas based Merchants & Planters Oil Company, particularly during the last period of its existence, 1930 through 1941. This company was owned by William Marsh Rice and associated with Rice Institute after Mr. Rice's death.

Dates: 1894 - 1945; Majority of material found within
Found in: Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas

Judge Harris Masterson I Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0468
Abstract

Judge Harris Masterson’s papers relate almost exclusively to his legal practice and real estate dealings after he moved from Brazoria County, Texas, to Houston, dating from 1860-1942, bulk 1880-1920.

Dates: 1860-1942, bulk 1880-1920; Majority of material found within
Found in: Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas

Blanche Harding Sewall Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0431
Abstract

The collection consists of correspondence, college materials, pamphlets and programs, materials related to the construction of Sewall residence and the Sewall's Japan trip. The dates for this collection range from 1847 to 1959 with the bulk of the material ranging from 1935 to 1948.

Dates: Majority of material found within 1847-1959
Found in: Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas

Chandler Davidson Texas Politics research collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0259
Abstract The Chandler Davidson Texas Politics research collection includes material related to Rice Sociology Professor Chandler Davidson’s research into the liberal political movement in Texas. Materials include audio cassette tapes of oral histories (some with transcriptions), correspondence, clippings, research notes, publications, and student research papers. Interviewees include Texas politicians Billie Carr, Ralph Yarborough, Bob Eckhardt, Walter Hall, Sam Rayburn, Margaret Carter, Allan...
Dates: Majority of material found within 1960 - 2010
Found in: Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas

Ralph Anderson Jr. Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0413
Abstract Houston-born Ralph Anderson Jr. (1923-1990) studied architecture at Rice Institute and earned a bachelor's degree in 1943. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and fought in the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded and awarded a medal for his bravery. After the war, he returned to Rice and continued his studies in architecture. He joined the architectural firm of Wilson, Morris and Crain and eventually rose to become a partner and later president of the company. The papers cover a...
Dates: 1860-1989; Majority of material found within
Found in: Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas

Texas railroad history collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0640
Abstract

Pamphlets and documents documenting the history of Texas railroad lines such as Houston & Texas Central Railroad Co., Texas & Pacific Railway Co., Texas & New Orleans Railroad Co., Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railway Co.

Dates: 1867 - 1935
Found in: Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas

Wylie Vale architecture collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0625
Abstract

Architectural drawings and related records for residential architecture projects by Wylie Vale, Jr.

Dates: 1950 - 1951
Found in: Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas

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Harmful Content Statement
© 2026 Woodson Research Center
Fondren Library, Rice University
Physical Address: 6100 Main, Houston, Texas 77005-1827
Mailing Address: MS-44, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251-1892