A Step Back in Time: A Celebration of History and Culture at Heritage Park Part 3

Introduction

In part 1 and part 2 of this series, we took a look at some of the houses and people helped take Corpus Christi from a pioneer outpost to a modern city.

Today, we will look at two more homes and the owners who showcase both German immigrant influence and the African-American legacy that shaped Corpus Christi’s early community.

Grande-Grossman House: A Hidden Gem in Corpus Christi’s Heritage Park

Hidden within Heritage Park, the Grande-Grossman House stands as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural history of Corpus Christi, Texas.

This charming structure, once home to prominent families who played pivotal roles in shaping the city’s Mexican-American and Jewish communities, is now an iconic landmark and home to the Tejano Civil Rights Museum. Its story is one of preservation, community leadership, and the merging of diverse heritages in Southern Texas.

The Grande Legacy

The Grande family arrived in Corpus Christi in the late 1870s, led by Benito “Ben” Grande, who was born in 1862. The family quickly became known for their entrepreneurial spirit, running one of the largest and last old-fashioned cantinas in Texas—the Ben Grande Saloon.

Ben Grande succeeded his father in managing the family business, becoming a prominent figure within Corpus Christi’s Mexican-American community.

In 1904, Ben built the house on Artesian Street for his family. With its original Victorian design, the house embodied the elegance and ambition of the early 20th century. The house served as a warm and inviting home for the Grande family until 1915, when they relocated to Dallas, leaving behind not only their residence but a lasting legacy of leadership within the community.

The Grossman Connection

A decade later, in 1925, the house found new ownership with the Grossman family, Jewish immigrants who had begun settling in Corpus Christi in the early 1900s.

The Grossmans, led by matriarch Rebecca Grossman, were active business people who opened a department store next to the house. Simon, Ida, Henry, and Ed Grossman were instrumental in helping other family members emigrate from Russia and build new lives in Texas.

A New Architectural Vision

Under the Grossmans, the house underwent significant renovations. The Victorian structure was reimagined with Craftsman-style revisions, including the addition of a porch that now wraps around three sides of the home.

The inclusion of Prairie architecture elements, such as stick-style eave brackets and sturdy brick piers, gave the house its unique, blended architectural identity.

Continuing Legacy

Rebecca Grossman, who lived in the house until her death in 1952, was remembered as a dedicated leader and matriarch. Her descendants continued to influence Corpus Christi in fields such as business, law, medicine, and politics.

By the time the Grossman family donated the home to the city in 1982, it had become an enduring symbol of both Mexican-American and Jewish contributions to the community.

From Residence to Museum

In 1982, the Grande-Grossman House was moved from its original location at 709 Artesian Street to its current home in Heritage Park. The move was part of an effort to preserve the house from demolition, ensuring that its historical and cultural significance would be maintained for future generations.

Three years later, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) restored the home, transforming it into a key piece of Corpus Christi’s architectural history.

Housing History

By 2015, the house had taken on new life as the home of the Tejano Civil Rights Museum. This museum is dedicated to highlighting the history and culture of Southern Texas’s Tejano and Mexican-American populations.

The museum is a collaborative effort between Texas A&M University and LULAC, and it serves as an educational hub that explores the region’s deep connections to the Hispanic civil rights movement.

Notably, Corpus Christi is recognized as the birthplace of this movement, with the founding of LULAC in 1929.

Architectural Features and Heritage

Today, the Grande-Grossman House is a striking example of architectural evolution. Originally designed in a Victorian style, the house’s later transformation into a Craftsman home, with Prairie-style elements, represents the layered history of its residents.

The wraparound porch, supported by brick piers, and the intricate stick-style eave brackets stand out as dominant features of the structure. These elements tell the story of a house that adapted to the needs of its owners while maintaining its historical integrity.

A Symbol of Unity

The story of the Grande-Grossman House is one of unity and cultural confluence. The house not only represents two influential families but also serves as a symbol of the broader Corpus Christi community.

From its origins as the home of a Mexican-American entrepreneur to its role as the residence of a Jewish immigrant family, the house embodies the city’s diversity and resilience.

Now, as home of the Tejano Civil Rights Museum, it stands as one of the “hidden gems” of Heritage Park, inviting visitors to explore the rich multicultural heritage of Corpus Christi.

The Littles-Martin House: A Testament to the African-American Legacy in Corpus Christi

The unassuming Littles-Martin House might be easy to overlook among the grander historic homes in Heritage Park .

However, this quaint structure, with its Queen Anne Cottage architecture and a history intertwined with the African-American experience in South Texas, stands as a testament to resilience, heritage, and the enduring contributions of one of Corpus Christi’s first Black families.

The Remarkable Story of Hattie Moore Littles

The story of the Littles-Martin House begins with Hattie Moore Littles, one of the first Black natives of Corpus Christi, born in 1869. She was adopted by Sam and Malvina Moore after her mother’s death, and raised alongside her adoptive sister Annie in the turbulent post-Civil War South.

Her adopted mother, Malvina, who had been enslaved and brought to Corpus Christi in 1849, went to great lengths to ensure the safety and future of the children under her care, securing official adoption papers to prevent any claims on little Hattie.

As was customary at the time, Hattie left school at 15 to go work as a domestic servant, eventually finding employment with prominent families in Corpus Christi.

In 1900, after years of waiting, Hattie’s mother allowed her to marry Willis Littles. Willis worked for the Kenedy family, and Hattie joined the household taking over cooking duties.

Faith Founded on a Rock

Although Hattie’s mother was a strict baptist, Hattie and her husband Willis were among the first black Catholics in Corpus Christi, faithfully attending mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church.

In 1954, Hattie was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal by Pope Pius XII, one of her most treasure possessions.

The Littles-Martin House: A Gift and Legacy

The exact origins of the Littles-Martin House remain somewhat mysterious, but it is believed to have been built between 1900 and 1910. The house was moved to North Staples Street around 1918, across from Holy Cross Church, allowing Hattie to attend daily Mass—a testament to the importance of faith in her life.

The home was later inherited by the Littles’ daughter, Mary Belle Littles-Martin, who lived there for over 60 years until her death in 1983.

A Place Open to All

For many years, the home was not just a residence but a center of cultural and musical enrichment in the community. Mary Belle, a talented musician who took lessons from Sister Xavier at Incarnate Word Academy, became a beloved piano teacher.

Countless children, both Black and white, learned piano in the front rooms of the Littles-Martin House, a quiet yet powerful act of integration in a segregated society.

Mary Belle also served as the church organist for Holy Cross Catholic Church, further cementing the Littles’ long-standing bond with the local Catholic community.

Preserving the Legacy of Faith and Service

After Mary Belle’s death, the house was purchased by Holy Cross Church, which recognized the historical and emotional significance of the property. The church, with the support of local organizations, ensured that the home was preserved, eventually moving it to Heritage Park in 1986.

Restoration and Rebirth

Once relocated to its current site in Heritage Park, the Littles-Martin House underwent a comprehensive restoration, spearheaded by the Corpus Christi branch of the NAACP.

With funding from the John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Foundation and the city of Corpus Christi, the house was lovingly restored to its former glory. It now serves as the local NAACP headquarters and a beacon of the city’s African-American heritage.

Architectural Features

The architectural features of the house, including the carved tigerwood mantle, hand-carved pine door, beveled wood siding, and intricate shingle detailing, reflect the Queen Anne Cottage style popular at the time of its construction.

These elements provide a glimpse into the design aesthetics of early 20th-century Corpus Christi, while the house’s history and cultural significance set it apart from other historic structures in Heritage Park.

A Testimony of Faith and Strength

Today, Littles-Martin House stands as a monument to the legacy of one of Corpus Christi’s earliest Black families. Through its walls, one can trace the stories of Hattie and Willis Littles, their daughter Mary Belle, and the many lives they touched through their work, faith, and contributions to the community.

Conclusion

The Grande-Grossman and Littles-Martin Houses are more than just architectural landmarks in Heritage Park—they are symbols of the rich and diverse history that shaped Corpus Christi.

By preserving these homes, the city honors the stories of immigrant families, African-American pioneers, and the many individuals who contributed to its development


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