Center for Glenwood Archival Collection

The artifact consists of a set of heavily oxidized iron mule shoes, mounted on a custom wooden display base. A brass plaque identifies it as "Glenwood Cemetery – Mule Shoe of a Late 1800s Hearse." These mule shoes are believed to have belonged to a draft mule used to pull funeral hearses in Glenwood during the late 19th century. They were discovered during construction work at the cemetery. The curvature and dimensions of the shoes are consistent with typical examples from that era, designed for draft animals that towed heavy carriages and processional vehicles.

This handwritten index serves as a reference for administrative purposes at Glenwood Cemetery. Compiled in the late 19th century, the document organizes the names of lot owners and interments in both alphabetical and numerical order. Each entry includes details such as section and lot numbers, names of the owners, and notes regarding transfers or family plots. The ledger illustrates the record-keeping practices within Glenwood's administrative framework, featuring handwritten columns and annotations that suggest frequent use by staff or superintendents to locate gravesites before the establishment of formal ledgers and plat maps. The Index to Glenwood reflects the operational needs of a cemetery in post-Reconstruction Houston. By the 1880s, Glenwood experienced significant growth, making it necessary to maintain accurate burial records for managing lot ownership and family interments. This volume likely originated around the same time as the Board of Directors Minutes Book (1886–1976) and the Bylaws established in 1888, both pivotal components of the foundational documents produced by the Houston Cemetery Company.

In September 2023, the flag was found inside a honeybee tree located in Section H-1 of the cemetery. While its authenticity hasn't been confirmed yet, it has been lodged in the tree for quite some time. The flag was located in a beehive during the extraction of honeycombs, following the tree's split and fall the previous autumn. The tree's natural antibacterial and moisture-reducing properties played a crucial role in preserving the flag over the years. The flag exhibits significant deterioration, characterized by frayed edges, discoloration, and a noticeable loss of fabric integrity, resulting from prolonged exposure. It is believed that the flag was placed at the grave of a veteran buried in Glenwood, as several veteran graves are nearby. Notably, the flag features one of the Concentric Circle Designs from 1877, showcasing 38 stars, a design widely popular during the Civil War and into the late 1800s.

The item contains the deed of sale from 3049 from M. Looscan, Attorney at Law, from Ellen H. Harnell to Thomas J. House and S.P. Christian. The front of the deed states "Filed for record this 11th day of February, 1878 at two o'clock P.M. and Recorded February 11th, 1878 in Harris County Record of Deeds Vol. 16, pages 552 & 553, Witness by hand & official seal at office R. W. Westcott - Clerk. By Ed Dunn, Deputy. Paid $1.00" Both Ellen H. Harnell and S.P. Christian signed the original deed, which was notarized on December 1, 1877. The contract states: "The State of Texas. Know all Men by these Presents, that I, Ellen H. Harnell of the County of Harris State of Texas in consideration of the sum of six hundred (600.00) dollars to me paid by Thomas J. House and S.P. Christian of the County of Harris State of Texas have granted, bargained, sold and released, and by present do grant, bargain, sell and release unto the said Thomas J. House and S.P. Christian the following described land and premises, situated in the County of Harris State of Texas to-wit: Lot number six, near Lynchburg of the Lynch League, containing thirty two acres of land together with the dwelling house and other improvements there upon situated being the same land conveyed to me by Thomas J, House and John B. Snyder May 30, 1873 as purchased accorded in Vol 13. pp: 33 &34. Also forty head of cattle remaining on range near Lynchburg. Brads I.G. & 55. together with all and singular rights, members, hereditaments, and appurtenances to the same belong, or in any wise incident or appertaining, To have and to Hold, all and singular the premises above mentioned, until the said Thomas J. House & S.P. Christian, heirs and assigns, in fee simple forever. I do hereby bind myself, heirs, executors, and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular, the said premises unto the said Thomas J. House and S.P. Christian, heirs and assigns, against every person whomsoever, lawfully claiming or to claim the same, or any part thereof. Provided a lien is retained on same land for the payment of a note for three hundred dollars, unpaid purchase money due in twelve months from date here as given to me...Witness my and this the 1st day of December 1877. E.H. Harnell. The State of Texas, Harris County. Before m, J.M. Poland a notary public in and for Harris County duly commissioned and qualified, this day came and personally appeared Mrs. Ellen H. Harnell to me personally known, who acknowledged the execution of the foregoing deed, dated the first date of December A.S. 1977 and delivered the same as her binding act and deed, for the purposes and considerations therein set forth and contained, Writing my hand and office deal at office in Houston this the first day of December AD 1877. J.M. Poland Notary Public Harris Co. Texas

This bound volume contains records of board and shareholder meetings for the Houston Cemetery Company, later known as the Glenwood Cemetery Association, spanning a nearly century-long period. The entries, which were initially recorded by hand in ink and later typed, date back to July 21, 188 to June 16, 1977. The documentation includes financial reports, maintenance policies, and administrative decisions. The meeting minutes are recorded from 1886 to 1976. Some contents are not available in digital format due to the condition of the bound volume.

This printed booklet outlines the foundational regulations governing Glenwood Cemetery, originally known as the Houston Cemetery Company, which was incorporated on May 12, 1871. It includes rules regarding lot ownership, maintenance, interments, and board operations. The pamphlet is printed in black ink on beige paper and exhibits signs of wear, including tape repairs and torn corners, suggesting its use in administrative settings during the late 19th century. As one of the earliest governing documents of Glenwood, this booklet serves as a historical record of cemetery management practices during the Victorian era, reflecting the broader rural cemetery movement that aimed to integrate landscape design with civic organization. It is considered one of the oldest administrative records in the Glenwood Cemetery Archives.

The soda bottle, marked with "Vogel Bottling Works – Houston, Texas," represents an early bottling enterprise in Houston. Its distinctive color and shape suggest that it was manufactured during the pre-Prohibition era, common among regional soda and mineral water producers. Discovered during site maintenance, this artifact reflects the connection between Glenwood and Houston's early industrial and commercial development. Based on its shape and markings, the bottle was likely produced between 1900 and 1905.

The item includes No. 4308 Abstract of Title prepared by The Houston Abstract Co., Inc. John H. Ruby is listed as the manager at 1016 Congress Ave., Houston, Texas. The Abstract of Title, dated May 4, 1903, contains four abstracts of title, including: 1st, 60 x 800 feet out of lot 5 of Hollingsworth subdivision described in a deed from C.A. Latham et al to the Houston Cemetery Company recorded in deed Vol. "78" page 278. 2nd, 42 acres part of lot 4 of the Hollingsworth subdivision described in a deed from Martha E. Wynns to said Company recorded in deed Vol. "11" page 175. 3rd, Property described in deed of M.C. King to said Company, recorded in Deed Vol. "11" page 176. 4th, Property described in Deed of E.L. Combs to said Company, recorded in Deed Vol. "53" page 388.

This large-format linen boundary map, created by the Houston engineering firm Whitty & Taylor in March 1904, illustrates Glenwood Cemetery and its surrounding landscape. The map outlines Glenwood's official property lines, adjacent roads, and nearby burial grounds, including the Catholic Division and the German Lutheran Cemetery, as well as areas designated as "Forest Mound," "Hillside," and "New Strangers Rest." The detailed inkwork captures topographical features, including Buffalo Bayou, roadways, and elevation contours, providing a view of the cemetery's natural landscape and constructed divisions during the early 20th century. Handwritten annotations indicate section letters and landmarks that correspond with Glenwood's earliest lot maps.

This collection of receipts documents lot sales and payments at Glenwood Cemetery in the early 20th century, with amounts ranging from $37.50 to $200. Each entry includes details such as the purchasers' names, lot dimensions, and usually features the signature of R.J. Hughes, who managed cemetery operations at the time. Printed on forms from the United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company, these documents include validation stamps from the Houston Land & Trust Company (1911–1913), reflecting the financial ties between Glenwood Cemetery and early banking institutions in Houston. The receipts capture the lot ownership and sales process during a significant period of urban development in the city, offering insights into early cemetery operations and the role of private trust companies in managing financial affairs. The handwriting and notations are associated with Glenwood's early administrative officers, who were responsible for record-keeping and communication with lot owners.