Davison Home
Texas City, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built by Frank and Florence Haven Davison, 1895-1897. Sturdy Victorian structure, of cypress. Home of first child born in Texas City (formerly named Shoal Point). Survivor of many storms; suffered most in 1947 disaster. Davison, prominent civic leader and pioneer in Texas City, was first in many capacities: city commissioner, postmaster, school trustee, bank director. Opened the first store in Texas City, and had the first telephone. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Frank and Florence Davison built this sturdy cypress Victorian between 1895 and 1897 in the young town then called Shoal Point, and it became the birthplace of the first child born in Texas City. A pioneer civic leader, Frank Davison opened the town's first store, installed its first telephone, and served as commissioner, postmaster, school trustee, and bank director. The house weathered many storms, suffering most in the 1947 disaster.
Why it matters
The home embodies the founding energy of a Gulf Coast town and stands as a survivor of the catastrophic 1947 Texas City explosion.
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Related people
- ยท Frank Davison
- ยท Florence Haven Davison
Related events
- ยท Texas City disaster of 1947
Themes & tags
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