Cummings-Smith House
Alvin, Brazoria County, Texas
Marker Inscription
After the Galveston hurricane of 1900 destroyed his home, banker-investor Oscar Smith Cummings (1866-1941) hired contractors Booth and Bigler to salvage the materials and build this Victorian residence in 1900-01. Oscar Smith, owner of a local meat market, bought the dwelling when Cummings moved to Houston in 1904. Threatened with demolition in 1972, the house was purchased and restored by Mr. and Mrs. Hubert G. Howerton. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1977
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When the catastrophic 1900 Galveston hurricane destroyed his home, banker-investor Oscar Smith Cummings had contractors salvage the wreckage and build this Victorian residence in 1900–01. Meat-market owner Oscar Smith bought the house after Cummings moved to Houston in 1904. Slated for demolition in 1972, it was rescued and restored, earning designation as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1977.
Why it matters
Built from the salvaged remains of a home lost in the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, the house is a tangible reminder of how Gulf Coast Texans rebuilt after the 1900 Galveston storm.
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Related people
- · Oscar Smith Cummings
- · Oscar Smith
Related events
- · Galveston hurricane of 1900
Themes & tags
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