Introduction
As we close our series, A Step Back in Time: A Celebration of History and Culture at Heritage Park, we take a look at our final two remarkable homes, both offering another look at the rich history that defines Heritage Park and shapes modern day Corpus Christi
From the Irish cultural roots preserved within the walls of the Ward-McCampbell House to the agricultural innovations and public service legacy of Theodore “Buddy” Lawrence, these homes tell stories of resilience, community, and progress.
The houses stand as tributes to the individuals who shaped Corpus Christi’s development, making Heritage Park a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Ward-McCampbell House: A Window into Corpus Christi’s Irish Heritage
Tucked inside Heritage Park in Corpus Christi, Texas, stands the historic Ward-McCampbell House—a testament to the city’s resilience, Irish heritage, and architectural beauty.
This early 20th-century home is more than just a physical structure; it tells a story of survival, community, and culture, offering a glimpse into the life and trials of one of the city’s prominent families.
A Glimpse into Old Corpus Christi
The Ward-McCampbell House, originally built in 1908, was the vision of Mary Alice Ward McCampbell, a widow who sought to provide a stable home for her three sons after the death of her husband, Nueces County Attorney William Berry McCampbell.
Designed by local architect and builder William F. Bowles, the house features the hallmarks of Classic Revival architecture with its elegant Ionic columns, wraparound porches, and intricate lattice enclosures.
However, the beauty of the house belied the danger of its location. Originally located on Water Street, just a few feet from Corpus Christi Bay, the home’s prime beachfront location made it both picturesque and perilous, as it would soon face one of the most devastating natural disasters in the city’s history.
The Hurricane of 1919: Survival Against the Odds
The hurricane of 1919 is an unforgettable chapter in Corpus Christi’s history, and for Mary Ward McCampbell and her family, it was a terrifying ordeal. When the storm arrived, it caught many residents of Old Irishtown by surprise.
As the storm surged, floodwaters quickly rose, isolating the residents from higher ground. From their second-story porch, Mary and her three sons watched in disbelief as the water engulfed the first floor of their home, reaching heights of over 20 feet.
The family remained in the house during the hurricane, but the storm left a lasting impact on them. According to family tradition, Mary contracted pneumonia from standing and watching on the porch throughout the storm.
Tragically, she passed away in early 1920, leaving behind her sons and a legacy of resilience and determination.
A Legacy of Irish Culture and Community
Despite the personal tragedies faced by the McCampbell family, their home remained a symbol of strength and survival. Passed down through the family until 1945, the house eventually became rental property before being donated to the City of Corpus Christi in 1983.
In 1984, it was relocated to Heritage Park, just one block from its original site, where it stands today as part of the city’s historic preservation efforts.
Still Serving the Community
The Ward-McCampbell House now serves as the headquarters for the Irish Cultural House, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Irish culture in the Corpus Christi area.
Through educational programs and cultural events, the organization celebrates the contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants to the community. The house itself has been beautifully restored, maintaining its original charm while being repurposed as offices and meeting spaces.
A Living Monument
Today, the Ward-McCampbell House stands as a reminder of the enduring impact of Irish culture in Corpus Christi. From its architectural grace to its role in preserving local history, the house is a living monument to the McCampbell family’s legacy and the vibrant community they helped build.
As visitors step onto the wraparound porch and take in the details of this Classic Revival home, they are transported back to a time when Corpus Christi was still finding its footing as a city on the Gulf Coast.
For those interested in exploring Corpus Christi’s history, the Ward-McCampbell House is a must-see. Its story of survival, both through the devastating hurricane and the challenges of time, mirrors the spirit of the city itself—one that has endured adversity while honoring its rich cultural roots.
The Lawrence House: A Legacy of Innovation and Service in Corpus Christi’s Heritage Park
Within Heritage Park are multiple homes that preserve the stories of the city’s early settlers, and the Lawrence House stands out as one of its most significant these homes. This late 19th century home was built by Theodore Merchant “Buddy” Lawrence, a man whose life and work left an indelible mark on the city.
From pioneering the vegetable truck farming industry to his role as a County Commissioner, Lawrence’s contributions helped shape the future of Corpus Christi. Today, the Lawrence House is a monument to his legacy and a living space for the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi.
A Pioneer in Corpus Christi’s Agricultural History
Theodore Merchant “Buddy” Lawrence was born in Corpus Christi in 1861, the grandson of one of the city’s first physicians, Dr. David Henry Lawrence. His life was rooted in the early development of Corpus Christi, and he made significant contributions to the city’s growth.
One of his most remarkable achievements was sending the first shipment of vegetables—10 cases of peas—from Corpus Christi to San Antonio in 1894. This seemingly simple act marked the beginning of the vegetable truck farming industry in the area, which would go on to support countless local farmers and boost the region’s economy.
Lawrence’s involvement in agriculture wasn’t limited to his own farm. As a partner in the Roark Produce Company, he helped build and expand the local truck farming industry, opening markets for the farming community in the region. His leadership in this area was instrumental in establishing Corpus Christi as an important agricultural hub.
A Life of Public Service
While Lawrence’s work in agriculture was impressive, his dedication to public service was equally notable.
In 1902, he was appointed as County Commissioner for Precinct One, which included Corpus Christi. Over the course of his decades-long career as commissioner, Lawrence played a pivotal role in modernizing the county’s infrastructure.
A Champion of Development
He was a champion of the “New Roads” movement, which transformed rudimentary cow trails into paved roads, improving accessibility and connectivity for residents and businesses.
One of Lawrence’s most significant accomplishments during his tenure was the construction of the first causeway over Nueces Bay. This crucial development connected Corpus Christi to the mainland and facilitated growth in trade, travel, and communication for the city.
In recognition of his contributions, the County Commissioners Court renamed Chemical Plant Road to Buddy Lawrence Drive in 1933, a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The Lawrence House: A Symbol of History and Resilience
Built in 1893, the Lawrence House was originally located on McBride Lane, where it served as both a home and the center of Lawrence’s vegetable farming operations. In 1999, the house was relocated to Heritage Park, preserving it as part of Corpus Christi’s rich historical heritage.
A Tall Task
The house’s relocation was no small feat—it was too large to be moved through the streets, so it was loaded onto a barge and shipped down to the Cargo Dock before being transferred to a trailer and moved to its current location.
The house has been carefully restored to maintain its historical integrity, and today it stands as a reminder of the contributions Buddy Lawrence made to the Corpus Christi community. While the house is not part of an official tour, visitors are welcome to casually explore the premises.
A New Chapter: The Veterans Band of Corpus Christi
In its current role, the Lawrence House is home to the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi, a group dedicated to supporting local veterans through music. The house provides a space for the band to hold practice sessions, further enriching the local community with its blend of history, culture, and service.
The presence of the Veterans Band in the Lawrence House adds a new layer to its legacy, reflecting the spirit of dedication and service that Theodore “Buddy” Lawrence embodied throughout his life.
While visitors are welcome, since Lawrence House also serves as a functioning business office,visitors are encouraged to be respectful during their visits.
A Lasting Legacy
The Lawrence House is more than just a historic home—it’s a symbol of the pioneering spirit and community dedication that have shaped Corpus Christi into the city it is today.
Theodore Merchant “Buddy” Lawrence’s influence is felt not only in the city’s agricultural history but also in its infrastructure and public services.
His contributions, from shipping the first vegetables out of the region to advocating for modern roads and causeways, laid the foundation for the city’s development.
Visitors to Heritage Park can step back in time as they explore the Lawrence House, taking in the architecture and imagining the life of one of Corpus Christi’s early trailblazers.
One Final Step Back Conclusion
As we wrap up our series: A Step Back in Time, we would like to thank you for joining us on this journey through the historic homes and personalities that helped define and turn Corpus Christi into the dynamic city that it is today.
We encourage you to visit Heritage Park and appreciate the meaningful connection it offers to our city’s history, reminding us of the enduring impact of the lives and spirits of those those who came before us.
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