Houstonians find family trees
in historical Clayton home
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Already a renowned genealogical research center, the Clayton House will soon be home to the genealogical holdings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The renovation and retro-fitting of the three-building complex at 5300 Caroline St. is nearly complete.
Photo by Bobby Vasquez |
By Bobby Vasquez
When the Clayton family deeded their home to the city for a library, it’s possible they didn’t realize the impact their donation would have on Houstonians.
Since 1958, the three-story Georgian-revival home at 5300 Caroline St. has housed the keys to unlocking secrets for generations of people looking for their ancestors.
Designed by Birdsall P. Briscoe and built in 1916 through 1917, Houston cotton trader William Clayton (See Who is William Clayton? box), his wife Susan and their family called the sprawling three-building complex home. The home, carriage house and guesthouse encompass a city block in the Museum District and are next door to the Clayton Library.
In 1988, the compound was designated a registered Historic Texas Landmark, with its Tuscan columns, paneled pilasters, elliptical fanlight over the front door, and fanlit dormers on the roof specifically highlighted on its plaque.
Collectively known as the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, it houses one of the nation’s most extensive genealogical research centers.
We are family
Previously, the Houston Public Library system had modest genealogical research holdings at the Julia Ideson building downtown. As the amount of genealogical materials grew, they were moved to the Clayton House in the 1960s. The Clayton House Library continued expanding its holdings, so an additional building opened in 1988.
This summer, the library was named one of the “nine libraries to visit before you die,” by Family Tree Magazine. It is the nation’s fourth-largest geneaology library.
“The Clayton Library is one of the best genealogical research centers in the nation,” said Susan Kaufman, Clayton manager. “It has become a destination for genealogical researchers across the country.”
“It’s pretty amazing that we can offer such a tremendous amount of (genealogical) information to the public,” said Lesley Douthwaite, Clayton assistant manager.
Green family tree
However, time has taken its toll on the near-century-old house. Foundation problems and wear and tear on the buildings caused many structural problems.
“It was difficult to use some of the rooms,” said Blanca Quezada, senior communications specialist for HPL. “The foundation was so bad we could not even open some doors without a lot of extra effort.”
Realizing the need to save and preserve the historical home, the city is renovating the Clayton house and expanding it again. The project follows the recommendations of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The program encourages sustainable building and development that has little impact on the environment.
“It was really important for us to follow the trends of ‘going green,’” Douthwaite said.
In all, the completed Clayton project will meet or exceed more than 30 standards to earn a silver rating from LEED. These standards include using material and energy-efficient products bought from local businesses and reusing materials salvaged from the project.
The carriage house should be completed by the beginning of November, Kaufman said. Meeting space will accommodate 100 people. The Clayton buildings will expand to more than 40,000 square feet.
“When we are done, our patrons will have so much more space to research,” she said. “We are growing and doing it without having a bad effect on the environment.”
Family ties
With the additional space, Clayton will also expand its services. Plans call for a small museum dedicated to the Clayton family.
Also, HPL will tap into the genealogical holdings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Genealogists regard that material as the most extensive in the world, Douthwaite said. The LDS offers their research material as a public service.
Susan Clayton died in 1960, followed by her husband in 1966. However, through their gift, their name survives. Thousands of patrons have started and finished tracing their roots at Clayton’s old homestead.
“There’s a lot of history here,” Douthwaite said. “A historical family who played an important role in shaping the country called this place home. Families can find their own history here.”
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