Sessums & Virginia Cleveland House
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Designed by the prominent architectural firm of Sanguinet & Staats and built by W. C. Fulsher in 1911, this was the home of civic and Episcopal Church leaders Alexander Sessums Cleveland, Vice President of the Courtlandt Improvement Association, and his wife Virginia. "Sess" Cleveland served as President of the Houston Public School Board and as a Trustee of the Rice Institute. The house is a fine example of early 20th century eclectic styles--Classical in its plan and porticos, Italianate in its roof and eave overhang, and Prairie Style in its window treatments, sidelights and transom. It remained in the Cleveland family until 1971. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1999
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1911 by a prominent architectural firm, this Courtlandt Place house was home to civic and Episcopal Church leader Alexander Sessums Cleveland and his wife Virginia. "Sess" Cleveland led the Houston public school board and served as a trustee of the new Rice Institute, helping shape the city's schools in a formative era. The eclectic house blended Classical, Italianate, and Prairie styles and stayed in the family for six decades.
Why it matters
The home reflects the Progressive Era's investment in public education and civic institutions, led by the local leaders who built a modern American city.
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Related people
- · Alexander Sessums Cleveland
- · Virginia Cleveland
Themes & tags
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