Center for Glenwood Archival Collection

Mission Statement

Reflective of Glenwood Cemetery’s long history of serving the public are voluminous archival records and original source holdings that document its residents and operations for over 150 years. These records contain the day-to-day business of the Cemetery and serve to memorialize the people interred there, revealing a vast store of genealogical and historical information.

Our mission for the Glenwood Cemetery Archive is to acquire, preserve, and maintain these unique and original records. These documents are primary sources of information and cannot be found in any other repository around the world. 

Vision and Values

Glenwood Cemetery archives serve as the institutional memory of the unique lives that have impacted Houston’s history.

We value our collections power to motivate learning, preserve history, connect lives, and inspire wonder. We are dedicated to the long-term stewardship of the resources entrusted to our care.

The Collections connect people with historical artifacts of physical and digital materials in support of a wide range of teaching, research, and learning.

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Old Weird Houston

1877 Concentric Circle Designs Flag

1877 Concentric Circle Designs Flag

Textile

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.

1886 Receipt from the Office of Alfred J. Whitaker to A. M. Schwander

1886 Receipt from the Office of Alfred J. Whitaker to A. M. Schwander

Archive

The document features a receipt from Alfred J. Whitaker's office, dated October 21, 1886. The receipt reads: Office of A. Whitaker General Commission Merchant Dealer in Foreign and Domestic Fruits, Vegetables, etc. Nurseryman, Seedsman and Florist. Houston, Texas, October 21, 1886 Rec’d of Mrs. A. M. Schwander, twenty dollars for improvements on 10 x 20 of 148 Sec. C. Glenwood Cemetery A. Whitaker Supt.

1905 Plat of Section H of Glenwood Cemetery

1905 Plat of Section H of Glenwood Cemetery

Archive

The document contains a plat map dated November 24, 1905, for Section H of Glenwood Cemetery in Houston, Texas. It is certified by John F. Dickson, the President of the Glenwood Board of Trustees. The inscription on the map reads: "This is to certify that the Board of Trustees of Glenwood Cemetery has adopted the following plot of Section H in Glenwood Cemetery, located in the City of Houston Harris County Texas on November 24, 1905. John F. Dickson President of the Board of Trustees." Additionally, there is an inscription indicating that a notary public served as a witness to the certification of this plot.

1907 Original Postcards of Glenwood Cemetery

1907 Original Postcards of Glenwood Cemetery

Postcard

This collection of 1907 photographic postcards provides visual documentation of Glenwood Cemetery in Houston, Texas. The images present key elements of the cemetery's design and landscape, including: - Main Entrance - Allen 1081 - Main Drive Way - Allen 1082 - Park Fronting Washington Avenue with Res of Supt - Allen 1083 - Entrance to Glenwood Cemetery from Park Fronting Washington Ave - Allen 1084 - Looking North from the Office - Allen 1085 - Looking East through Glenwood Cemetery - Allen 1087 - Office of Glenwood Cemetery - Allen 1088 - The Bayou As It Passes Through Glenwood Cemetery - Allen 1089 - In The New Additions - Allen 1089 - A Shady Lane - Allen 1090 - Approach to Glenwood Cemetery from Kane St. Entrance - Allen 1091 - Kate St. Entrance to Glenwood Cemetery - Allen 1092 Each postcard includes printed captions that describe the scenes and prominently feature the name "Allen" in its typography. The cards were never mailed, suggesting they were likely created for local sale, tourism, or promotional purposes.

1910 Entrance to Glenwood Cemetery Postcard

1910 Entrance to Glenwood Cemetery Postcard

Archive

This item features a circa 1910 postcard showcasing the original entrance to Glenwood Cemetery. The postcard serves as a visual record of Glenwood Cemetery in Houston, Texas, highlighting significant aspects of its design and landscape. Notably, the postcard bears the number "12718" at the top. As the cards were never mailed, they were likely produced for local sale, tourism, or promotional purposes.

1912 Correspondence from Glenwood Cemetery Association to M H. Schumacher

1912 Correspondence from Glenwood Cemetery Association to M H. Schumacher

Archive

The item includes correspondence from the Glenwood Cemetery Association addressed to M. H. Schumacher concerning their lot purchase at Glenwood Cemetery. The letter specifies a purchase price of $39.50 for lot 113 in section H. It features several annotations, such as the original date of July 1, 1912, crossed out and replaced with a handwritten date of June 3, 1912. Additionally, the phrase "Bill rendered" has been amended to "Purchase Price," and a sentence stating "annual assessment, as per deed, to July 1, 191..." has also been crossed out. The correspondence concludes with an inscription reading, "6-3-1912 We hereby guarantee payment of the above account within thirty days from the date. Settegast and Koff, Co."

1950s -1970s Green Glass Dr. Pepper Bottle with the "10-2-4" logo

1950s -1970s Green Glass Dr. Pepper Bottle with the "10-2-4" logo

Glassware

A Green Glass Dr. Pepper Bottle from the 1950s to 1970s, featuring the iconic "10-2-4" logo, was discovered in a ravine at Glenwood Cemetery during the construction of the Center for Glenwood in 2023. Although the printed logos show some wear, the bottle is in very good condition overall. The front of the bottle displays "16 FL OZ (ONE PINT)" along with "10 2 4 Dr. Pepper," while the back reads "Dr. Pepper 16 FL OZ (ONE PINT)."

1960s Green Glass Dr Pepper Soda "Hand Grenade" Bottle

1960s Green Glass Dr Pepper Soda "Hand Grenade" Bottle

Glassware

A vintage Dr. Pepper bottle, measuring 6 ounces and crafted from green glass in the distinctive "grenade" style, was uncovered in a ravine at Glenwood Cemetery during the construction of the Center for Glenwood in 2023. This 1960s bottle features an embossed diamond-shaped design and boasts raised lettering on both sides of its upper body that reads "Dr. Pepper" and "CONT. 6 FL OZ." On the bottom, one side is marked with "NO DEPOSIT" and the other side with "NO RETURN." Additionally, the underside of the bottle is inscribed with "NOT TO BE REFILLED."

1960s Mason's Root Beer Glass Bottle

1960s Mason's Root Beer Glass Bottle

Object/Artifact

The clear glass bottle features the yellow logo of "Mason's Root Beer" along with the slogan "Enjoy… Mason's Root Beer." The label's color scheme and typography are consistent with mid-century branding aesthetics. Based on these design elements, this Mason Root Beer bottle is likely from the 1960s. Discovered on cemetery grounds, the bottle represents a period of casual leisure and the increasing availability of bottled soft drinks in postwar America. It is believed to have originated from workers or visitors, reflecting aspects of everyday life in relation to the historic landscape of Glenwood.

A Map of Texas, U.S.A... Drawn from a Texan’s Viewpoint

A Map of Texas, U.S.A... Drawn from a Texan’s Viewpoint

Archive

"Map of Texas, U.S.A... Drawn from a Texan's Perspective," produced by the Texas Highway Department, presents a striking representation of North America in which Texas is significantly enlarged and occupies nearly half of the United States. This portrayal is reminiscent of the smaller-scale "Official Texas Brags Map" from 1948. The map features various illustrations depicting attractions within the state, such as the "world's largest jackrabbits," the "world's largest oil field," and "Big D - home to the world's most beautiful girls." Regions beyond Texas are labeled with phrases like "Storm Area," "Unexplored Territory," and "Yankeeland." On the reverse side of the brochure, there is a collection that categorizes Texas with descriptors such as Best, Biggest, Most, and Only. It also includes biographical information that adds context to the state.

Restricted Collections

The following collections are restricted and require approval for viewing, please get in touch to learn more about viewing items in these collections.

Collection 2 Meetings and Administrative Files

Collection 14 Digital Materials
Most of this material is cross referenced from other collection. 

Collection 18 Fundraising Campaigns/ Donor Information

Collection 19 Financial Information 

Educator's Resources

Primary School Worksheets

Worksheets for primary school students.

Secondary School Worksheets

Worksheets for secondary school students.

Schedule a Field Trip / Visit

To schedule a field trip or visit, please contact Glenwood Cemetery. Our tours can accommodate up to 80 students at a time

Look through over 150 Years of Pictoral History

Visit Us

Archive viewing and research is available by appointment only.

2525 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 864-7886

How to Donate to the Materials Archive

The Glenwood Cemetery Archive welcomes gifts of archival materials that fall within the scope of itscollecting activities, that will enhance the strength of our collections, and that support the historicalintegrity of Glenwood’s history

Reproduction Policy

The Archival collection is available for study and research; however, to preserve original documents and photographs and to maintain the integrity of the collection, none of the materials are allowed to leave the archives or to be reproduced without authorization.

Archive Appointments

Archive staff will respond within 5–7 business days. Please review our Use and Reproduction Policy before submitting. For complex or extensive requests, additional processing time may be needed.

Donation of Materials

The mission of The Glenwood Cemetery Archive is to collect, describe, preserve, and make available enduring records of the cemetery, as well as primary source materials with enduring historical value for the study, teaching and research needs of students, historians, and staff.

Reproduction Policy

The Center for Glenwood will provide a place to gather for families, visitors, and community members alike, a place to host events, such as educational seminars, a place to research and connect with the history and legacies memorialized at Glenwood and a place that will help the community to experience all that Glenwood Cemetery has to offer.