House of the Month: 932 w. Woodlawn
4 bedroom, 2.5 bath 3,426 sqft house built in 1911 sits on .33 acres
Every time, I walk in to a home in Beacon Hill, I covet it more than I did the last one I stepped in to. Especially, these beautiful oversized homes on Woodlawn. Luckily, for us, their residents are happy to share the history in our newsletter. I find in Beacon Hill, you move here for the history, and stay for the community.
This months house is deemed historical (2011), and is built for Thomas N. Smith of Nicholson, Furnish & Smith. The contractor was Charles T. Finchman; according to the San Antonio Light newspaper article dated June 11, 1911. Mr. Smith was a well known banker in San Antonio and was a prominent member of The San Antonio Real Estate Exchange. The house is constructed in the Classical Revival Style. The house has both an attic, that housed a billiards room, and a basement that held the family well.
Smith married in to the Furnish family, marrying Mattie Smith in 1891. They have a son named David W. Smith who was born in 1901. They only lived on Woodlawn for a short period. As of 1920, they were living on W. Craig.
We don’t know who owns the house after the Smith’s until 1924-1925, when Jack E. Guggenheim of Guggenheim-Goldsmith Co. moved in. He owned a whole sale produce company. The Guggenheim’s were very active in the community. I wasn’t able to confirm their existence in the census, but they were very active in our cities newspapers. They had 4 children: Hellen, Irma, Jack, and Milton. Irma is mentioned as the “attractive Irma” in many articles. Jack Sr. and Jack Jr. were avid golfers. This family was very affluent. They travelled to Europe to celebrate Hellen’s graduation from a NH college, purchased the newest models of vehicles, and Jack Jr. married Margaret Ormos, a Radio City soloist, in Zurich 1945. Their family is referenced as one of the most influential families in America, next to the Rothchilds. They meant the entire family tree, and not just Jack’s branch of it. Meyer Guggenheim, not sure who he is in relation to Jack, but he donated nearly $1.5million to Hebrew Charities in 1907 and was mentioned in the SA Newspapers.
The third known homeowner, is Dr. William Wortham Maxwell. He is stated to be an OB/GYN, but his 1940’s census report states that he is a Medical Doctor. The same census reports their house is of $9k value, and is married to Rebecca. They have 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy. Their son Garrett was elected as a “Top 25 Student” for the Who’s Who Among Students at American Universities and Colleges; he attended Texas A&M. The Maxwell’s lived in this home from 1938-1978.
The current owners, have been in possession of the home since 2011. Their 2 children grew up in this home. They came to own it by Heidi mentioning to her coworker Susan, who owned the house with husband Anthony, just how much she loved her house. When that couple decided to downsize, they offered it to the Whitus family for purchase. As far as the last few owners know, this is how this house has always been sold- off market + to friends. On the second floor, in the hallway, you will find the original blueprints hanging which is a lovely artifact to have.
Lastly, Dean + Heidi, please don’t forget about me when you decide to move one day. I love your home!
More of this interview will be posted on my new podcast on Apple/Spotify. The link will be posted in the Beacon Hill Facebook page.