Descriptive Summary
Tijerina, Felix Sr.
Felix Tijerina, Sr.,
Family Papers
1941-1975
Bulk 1950s-1970sMaterials are in English.
MSS 0108
9.3 linear feet; 16
document boxes.
Houston Metropolitan Research Center,
Houston Public Library
Biographical Note:
Felix Tijerina (
1905-1965), son of an itinerant farm
worker, had no formal education but was motivated to learn English as a
teenager in Sugar Land, Texas. He became a highly successful Mexican American
restaurant owner, civic leader, and champion of education for underprivileged
Mexican American children. One of Tijerina's greatest achievements was his
sponsorship of the "Little School of the 400" in the late 1950s, in which
Mexican American children were taught 400 basic words to help them in
English-speaking schools. This activity began through Tijerina's involvement in
the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). He served as the national
president of this organization for four consecutive terms beginning in
1956.
Janie Gonzales was born in Sandyfork, Texas, on December 20, 1908. In
1928 she moved to Houston and in 1933 married Felix Tijerina. Together they
developed a successful restaurant business, became involved in civic
activities, and were leaders of Houston's Mexican American community. After the
death of her husband, Janie Tijerina established a scholarship foundation in
Felix's memory to help students attend college. She continued to be an active
participant in civic and business groups.
Scope and Contents
The collection contains papers such as correspondence, publications,
articles, minutes, and programs that detail the varied activities of Felix and
Janie Tijerina. Material on the "Little School of the 400" represents a large
portion of the collection. Other areas covered include the restaurant business,
civil rights, LULAC, the Republican party, the Committee for the Protection of
Human Subjects, and the Rotary Club.
Arrangement
The collection is divided into thirteen subgroups. The first half is
focused primarily on the activities of Felix Tijerina and the remainder
primarily on the activities of Janie Tijerina. The first subgroup consists of
information related to Felix Mexican Restaurants. The next three subgroups deal
with educational matters with an emphasis on the "Little School of the 400"
program. The fourth subgroup documents Felix Tijerina's involvement with LULAC.
The next four subgroups center on politics, law enforcement, civic
organizations, and honors and memorials. The ninth through twelfth subgroups
center on Jade Tijerina's involvement in scholarship funding, school and
community activities, health care, and political interests. Finally, the
thirteenth subgroup consists of correspondence and articles about Felix and
Janie Tijerina.
Use Restrictions
Certain portions of the collection as noted on the container list are
restricted to protect individual privacy. They have not been microfilmed, and
may not be viewed.
Preferred Citation
Felix Tijerina, Sr., Family Papers. Houston Metropolitan Research
Center, Houston Public Library
Acquisition Information
Donated by Janie B. Tijerina,
1975-1983
Addendum donated by Janie Tijerina through Thomas Kreneck,
May 2001
Processing Information
Processed by Thomas Kreneck.
Processing completed by Victor Borgeson,
1992.
Finding aid addendum (boxes 10 - 11) written by Andrew Hempe.
MICROFILM CONTENT LOCATION
Roll 1: Boxes 1 - 5
Roll 2: Boxes 6 - 8
Index Terms
Subjects
African Americans--Civil
rights--Texas--Houston
Civil
rights--Texas--Houston
Courts--Texas--Reform
Discrimination--Texas--Houston
Education,
Bilingual
Education,
Preschool
Law
enforcement--Texas--Harris County
Mexican American
leadership
Mexican
Americans--Education
Mexican
Americans--Texas--Houston
Restauranteurs--Texas--Houston
Restaurants--Texas--Houston
Organizations
Burnett-Bayland
Home
Civic Center Arena Committee (Houston,
Tex.)
Felix Mexican
Restaurant
Hale-Aikin Committee of Twenty-four
Harris County Voluntary
Parole Board (Tex.)
Houston Financial Council
of Women
Houston Independent
School District
Houston Junior
Forum
Houston Principals'
Association
Houston Restaurant
Association
Knights of Columbus. Convention (1955:
Houston, Tex.)
League of United Latin
American Citizens
Little School of the 400
Mexican American Youth
Council (Houston, Tex.)
Neighborhood Centers Association (Houston,
Tex.)
Republican Party (U.S. :
1854-)
Rotary Club of Houston
(Tex.)
Salvation Army (Houston,
Tex.)
St. Thomas High School
Mothers Club (Houston, Tex.)
Texas Association of
Mental Health
Texas Citizens for Court
Improvement
Texas. Constitutional
Revision Commission
Texas Society for the
Prevention of Blindness
University of Texas
Health Science Center at Houston. Committee for the Protection of Human
Subjects
University of Texas
Health Science Center at Houston. Development Board
Variety Club of Houston
(Tex.)
White House Conference on Children and Youth
(1960 : Washington, DC)
Woman's Club of Houston
(Houston, Tex.)
Women of Rotary. Houston (Tex.)
Detailed Description
I. Restaurant Business, Felix and Janie
Tijerina
1
1
Felix Mexican Restaurant, ad in the Women's Building of
Houston Directory,
1941
1
2
Felix Mexican Restaurant Opening, telegrams and menu,
1948
1
3
Felix Mexican Restaurant, menus and letterhead,
n.d.
1
4
Felix Mexican Restaurant, Personnel and Policy
directives,
1950s-1960s
1
5
Other Mexican restaurants: El Fenix, Los
Tios
1
6
Houston Restaurant Association,
1962-1970
1
7
Chambers of Commerce: Houston, Bellaire, Pasadena, South
Houston,
1965-1970
1
8
Felix Mexican Restaurant, Business Correspondence,
1956-1975
1
9
Felix Mexican Restaurant, Catering
1
10
Felix Mexican Restaurant, at Westheimer Art Festival,
1970s
II. Education
1
11
Study of Texas Schools (Hale-Aikin Committee of
Twenty-four),
1957-1958
1
12
Texas Committee to plan for the
1960 White House Conference on
Children and Youth,
1959
1
13
Texas Literacy Council,
1961-1962
1
14
Felix Tijerina, school board campaign,
1960
III. Little School of the 400
1
15
Bill to establish preschool program,
1959
1
16
Ceremony dedicating the organizing of "The Little School
of the 400,"
1958
1
17
LULAC Educational Fund pamphlet,
A Personal Message to Farsighted
Texans, by Felix Tijerina,
n.d.
1
18
LULAC Educational Fund, constitution and bylaws,
1957
1
19
LULAC Educational Fund, finances,
1957-1963
2
1
Preschool article in Coronet Magazine,
1961; article from the Congressional Record,
1961
2
2
Preschool Instructional Program, correspondence,
mailouts, statistics,
1957-1960
2
3
Preschool Instructional Program, correspondence,
January
1961-July 1961
2
4
Preschool Instructional Program, correspondence,
August
1961-October 1961
2
5
Preschool Instructional Program, correspondence and
statistics,
November
1961-December 1961
2
6
Preschool Instructional Program, correspondence,
1962
2
7
Preschool Instructional Program, correspondence and
speech by the attorney general,
1963
2
8
Preschool Instructional Program, correspondence,
1964
2
9
Preschool Instructional Program, correspondence,
1965
2
10
Beginner's Speaking
Vocabulary, by Elizabeth Burrus,
n.d.
2
11
Preschool Instructional Program book,
1961
2
12
Preschool Instructional Program book,
1964
2
13
1960 report on
The Little School of the 400,
LULAC pamphlet
2
14
1962 report on
The Little School of the 400,
LULAC pamphlet
2
15
Scrapbook binder I:
Little School,
correspondence, photographs, handouts,
1959-1963
2
16
Scrapbook binder II:
Little School,
correspondence, photographs, handouts,
1959-1962
3
1
Gulf Oil Co. support of the
Little School,
1960
3
2
Mrs. Tijerina's correspondence on the preschool program,
1966-1967
3
3
Paper on the
Little School by Guadalupe
Quintanilla,
after 1975
3
4
Mexican American education,
1967,
n.d.
3
5
Preschool Instructional Program, statistical data,
n.d.
IV. LULAC, Felix Tijerina
3
6
LULAC: Felix Tijerina as regional governor,
1954-56
3
7
LULAC: Felix Tijerina presidential messages,
1957 and
1959
3
8
LULAC audit reports and financial statements,
1959-61
3
9
LULAC: Felix Tijerina's membership and convention
attendance,
1960-64
3
10
LULAC correspondence and telegrams, Felix Tijerina,
1962-65
3
11
LULAC code (personal copy), pledge,
1960 handbook
V. Politics, Felix Tijerina
3
12
Dwight Eisenhower to Felix Tijerina, letter of thanks,
1952
3
13
Inauguration Ceremonies, Kennedy-Johnson,
1961
VI. Law Enforcement, Felix Tijerina
3
14
Harris County Voluntary Parole Board, Felix Tijerina's
membership,
1956-57
3
15
Meeting to consider parole cases,
3/14/57
[RESTRICTED--not on microfilm]
3
16
Employment offers for parolees,
1958
3
17
Felix Tijerina on Harris County Grand Jury,
1961,
1964
3
18
Houston Crime Commission,
1962-65
3
19
Texas Department of Corrections,
1962-64
VII. Civic Organizations and Activities, Felix
Tijerina
3
20
Dedication of San Jacinto Monument,
1939
3
21
Variety Club 17th International Convention,
1953
3
22
Variety Club of Houston,
1960s
3
23
Rotary Club,
1953-1965
4
1
Rotary Club. Burnett-Bayland Home,
1952-1965
4
2
Knights of Columbus Convention, Houston,
1955
4
3
Texas State Finance Advisory Commission,
1960
4
4
Houston Livestock Show,
1960s
4
5
Invitation from the Mayor,
1948; F.D.I.C.,
1955; Surety Savings,
1962; Mexican Bullfight
programs,
1952,
n.d.; Colt .45s,
1962
4
6
Membership cards, receipts, airline tickets
VIII. Honors and Memorials, Felix Tijerina
4
7
Speech honoring Felix Tijerina at the
Man of the Year award
presentation,
1955
4
8
Awards from the United Fund,
1954 and
1955; thank you letter from the Rusk
Settlement Association,
1953; LULAC Certificate of Merit,
1961
4
9
School named for Felix Tijerina in Ecuador,
1963
4
10
Sermon at Felix Tijerina's funeral,
September 6,
1965
4
11
Letters of sympathy
4
12
Cards and telegrams of sympathy
4
13
Sympathy letter from Richard Nixon
4
14
Florist cards from Felix Tijerina funeral
4
15
Texas House of Representatives resolution in memory of
Felix Tijerina,
1966
4
16
LULAC resolution in memory of Felix Tijerina,
1966
4
17
Radio Commentary by Fred Nahas on the anniversary of the
death of Felix Tijerina,
1970
4
18
Felix Tijerina Elementary School, Houston, dedication,
1981
4
19
T.V. scripts,
1980; magazine article,
1965 vita,
n.d.
IX. Education/Scholarships, Janie Tijerina
5
1
High School Equivalency Program, Mrs. Tijerina's
participation,
1960s-1970s
5
2
Scholarship Foundation established,
1966-1972
5
3
Scholarship Foundation donations received,
1966-1970
5
4
Scholarship Foundation financial statements,
1966-1979
5
5-7
Student applications and transcripts
[RESTRICTED--not on microfilm]
5
8
Scholarship Foundation awards,
1967-1968
5
9
Houston Independent School District, reports,
questionnaires, news releases,
1970s
5
10
University of St. Thomas--Scholarship Committee,
1970-1972
5
11
Houston Principals' Association Position Papers,
1973
X. Community Activities, Janie Tijerina
6
1
St. Patrick School Mothers Meeting, Mrs. Tijerina,
October 1946
6
2
St. Thomas High School Mother's Club (Felix, Jr., in
school),
1960s
6
3
Houston Junior Forum,
1940s-1981
6
4
Women of Rotary,
1950s-1970s
6
5
Women of Rotary, board meeting minutes,
1961-1962
6
6
Women of Rotary, cards and letters of thanks,
1961-1962
6
7
Variety Boys Club,
1959-1970s;
Pilot Club,
1970s; Warwick
Club; H.S. music program,
1966
6
8
Neighborhood Centers Association, Mrs. Tijerina's
participation,
1967
6
9
Rusk Athletic Club, Tournament Program,
1967
6
10
Civic Center Arena Committee,
1972
7
1
Woman's Club of Houston; Houston Financial Council of
Women,
1970s
7
2
Theatre Under the Stars; Music Theatre; Houston
Symphony,
1970s;
Municipal Art Commission,
1968
7
3
Mrs. Tijerina honored by Zeta Beta sorority,
1971
(includes brief autobiographical sketch)
7
4
Mexican American Youth Council Correspondence,
1972-73
7
5
Salvation Army, Mrs. Tijerina's participation,
1974-75
7
6
Teen Liberators/Boys Town,
1967
XI. Health Care Committees and Interests, Janie
Tijerina
7
7
Texas Society for the Prevention of Blindness,
1970s
7
8
Texas Association of Mental Health, Harris County,
correspondence and mailouts to Mrs. Felix Tijerina,
1970s
8
1
Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects,
1974
8
2
Protection of Human Subjects--Drug Abuse,
1974
8
3
Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects,
1975,
1979,
1980
8
4
The Health Science Center Development Board,
1978-1980
8
5
Mental Health Association Distinguished Service Award,
n.d.
XII. Politics, Janie Tijerina
8
6
Republican Party, Nixon Re-Election,
1968; Republican Party material;
Spanish-speaking campaign workers,
1970s
8
7
Texas Citizens for Court Improvement,
1972-1973
8
8
Texas Citizens for Court Improvement,
1975,
n.d.
8
9
Texas Constitutional Revision Committee,
1973-1975
XIII. Correspondence, Felix and Janie Tijerina
8
10
Christmas and greeting cards,
1960s and
1970s
8
11
Isolated civic/business and family/social correspondence
received,
1960s and
1970s
8
12
Responses to the article about Janie Tijerina,
Latinos Urged to Work Not
Picket…,
4/24/66
8
13
Correspondence containing clippings about Felix
Tijerina,
1953-1964
8
14
Correspondence containing clippings about Janie
Tijerina,
1965-1970s
9
9
Photographs
[not microfilmed]
10
1
Clippings, letter: Citizenship, restaurant, other
subjects.
1948-1956.
(Approximately 10 items.)
10
2
Clippings, correspondence, notes: Shooting at capitol,
various activities and events.
ca.
1950's.
(Approximately 20 items.)
10
3
Clippings, telegram: Mrs. Tijerina and Mexican
exhibition.
1957-1958.
(8 items.)
10
4
Clippings: Death of Felix Tijerina, Raza Unida, Janie
Tijerina.
1965;
1970's.
(3 items.)
10
5
Clippings: Little Schools of the 400, other Tijerina
interests.
(6 items.)
10
6
Correspondence:
1961.
(4 items.)
10
7
Material pertaining to Felix Tijerina's death:
Photocopies of lists of pallbearers, correspondence, notes, bills, grave
registration, death certificate.
1965.
(20 items.)
10
8
Newspaper clippings.
1964,
1965
(2 items.)
10
9
Correspondence, clippings: Restaurant.
1960-1962.
(7 items.)
10
10
Clippings: Tijerina school board campaign; Governor Bill
Daniel; Janie Tijerina Women of Rotary achievement; vaccinations.
ca.
1960-1963.
(15 items.)
10
11
Clippings, correspondence, newsletter: Rotary, Pan
American Unity Day, Tijerina honors.
1960-1962.
(15 items.)
10
12
Clippings: LULAC, Felix Mexican restaurant, Tijerina in
Chicago.
1956.
(4 items.)
10
13
Photocopies of Tijerina cemetery and gravestone sale
contracts.
1945,
1952.
(3 items.)
10
14
Felix Tijerina Passport receipt,
June 3, 1954.
(1 item.)
10
15
Photocopies of Felix Tijerina birth certificate, travel
documents, sworn statement, correspondence, clippings, restaurant materials,
death certificate and funeral receipt for Jesus Gonzales, Social Security card,
notes.
Ca. 1955-1965
1960-1965
(17 items.)
10
16
Clippings: Marie Dauplaise articles about Latin
Americans.
December 1958.
(11 items.)
10
17
Correspondence, petition: Citizen's Charter Committee.
1955.
(2 items.)
10
18
Clippings: LULAC, other.
ca.
1957-1962.
(16 items.)
10
19
Clippings, photo caption: Harris County Grand Jury.
ca. 1946.
(2 items.)
10
20
Clippings: Restaurant notices.
1952,
1954.
(3 items.)
10
21
Clippings: Houston Junior Forum.
1952-1953.
(6 items.)
10
22
Clippings: Janie Tijerina, Women of Rotary, "wetbacks",
polio vaccinations, other subjects.
Ca.
1950's.
(Approximately 27 items.)
10
23
Clippings: Beaumont restaurant.
July 1954.
(3 items.)
10
24
Clippings: LULAC.
1954-1955.
(4 items.)
10
25
Clippings, correspondence: Various topics of interest to
Felix Tijerina.
1953-1956.
(8 items.)
10
26
Clippings, Rotary newsletter, Spanish vocabulary list:
Guam, LULAC, Governor Price Daniel,.
Ca.
1955-1962.
(Approximately 11 items.)
10
27
Clippings, correspondence, Mexican Rotary pamphlet,
Tijerina speech.
1960-1967.
(Approximately 12 items.)
10
28
Clippings, get-well cards, newsletter, dinner program:
Henry Gonzalez gubernatorial candidacy, Rotary, various subjects of interest to
Felix Tijerina.
1953,
1956-1960.
(Approximately 55 items.)
11
Houston Women of Rotary Club directories:
1948-1968
Cards requesting support for Felix Tijerina for School
Board