“Houston’s oldest survivor stands right here”. This is the Kellum-Noble House Plaque. It marks a spot of immense historical value. This building is a testament to Houston’s enduring spirit.
The Kellum-Noble House Plaque commemorates a structure built in 1847. Nathaniel Kellum constructed it. He arrived in Houston in 1839. Houston was then a young city in the Republic of Texas. Kellum was a brick maker. He used mud from Buffalo Bayou to make the bricks.
The Kellum-Noble House is unique. It still stands on its original foundation. Its original brick walls remain. This makes it a tangible link to Houston’s past. The Kellum-Noble House witnessed Houston’s phenomenal growth. It has stood for over a century. It is located on the edge of a major downtown business district.
Later, the Noble family owned the house. Zerviah Noble and her daughter Catherine lived here. They operated one of the area’s earliest schools. Imagine young girls learning in this very house. They studied English and arithmetic. They also learned embroidery, painting, and music.
In 1899, the City of Houston purchased the Kellum-Noble House. It became part of Houston’s first municipal park. For a short time, the grounds even housed Houston’s first zoo. The house also served as a residence for the park keeper.
By the early 1950s, the Kellum-Noble House had fallen into disrepair. Many wanted it demolished. The Harris County Heritage and Conservation Society formed in 1954. The society is now The Heritage Society. Its goal was to save the Kellum-Noble House. They wanted to preserve its place in history.
The Heritage Society restored the Kellum-Noble House. They furnished it as a period house and museum. This honored Houston’s 19th-century figures. Nathaniel K. Kellum, Abram Washington Noble, and Zerviah Metcalf Robinson Noble are some of the people honored.
The Kellum-Noble House Plaque stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the past. It shows how far Houston has come. The Heritage Society is located at 1100 Bagby Street. The Kellum-Noble House has limited free parking behind it on 212 Dallas Street. The Heritage Society is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.