Descriptive Summary
Chairez Family Collection1918-1978MSS.0094
0.5 Linear feet,
1 box
Materials are in English.
Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library
Historical Note
The Chairez family, originally from Mexico, came to Houston via San Antonio in 1919, and became very active in Mexican American cultural events from the 1910's through the 1920's and 1930's. The father, Feliciano Chairez, fostered in his children and community an appreciation of Mexican culture, music, and drama. He was involved in several Mexican American organizations, such as the Sociedad Mutualista Benito Juarez. He likewise was instrumental in founding Mexican American musical and drama groups and in celebrating Mexican national holidays in Houston. His son, Francisco Chairez, was one of two Mexican Americans who graduated from Rice Institute in 1928, and was also involved in groups such as Club Mexico Bello. The story of this family's activities is reflected in the documents and is supplemented by an oral history, OH 235, with Maria Chairez Puente, a daughter of Feliciano.
Scope and Contents
The Chairez Family Collection comprises one document box of miscellaneous letters, notes, excellent photographs, music scores, flyers, clippings, a scrapbook, and other publications retained by one of the founding families of the Mexican colonia in Magnolia Park. Altogether, the collection gives insight into the early social and cultural development of the Houston Mexican American community during its formative years.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged by subject and nature of the documents. There are two oversized shelf items which have been separated. The photographs are retained within the collection and have not been separated.
Access Restrictions
None.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish or reproduce materials from the Chairez Family Collection must be obtained from the Houston Metropolitan Research Center or the appropriate copyright holder.
Preferred Citation
Chairez Family Collection. Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library.
Acquisition Information
Donated by Mrs. Maria C. Puentes, Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Davila, and Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Chairez.
Processing Information
Processed by Thomas H. Kreneck, 1985.
Index Terms
Chairez family
Mexican Americans--Texas--Houston
1
1
Information regarding Chairez Family coming to Magnolia Park,
1919
1
2
Biographical data regarding Francisco Chairez,
1920's-1970's
Scope and Contents note
Includes clippings, photos, correspondence, and typescript.
1
3
Letters of Recommendation (4) for Francisco Chairez,
1918-1928
1
4
Mimi Ypina, vocalist, clipping,
1920's
1
5
Ladies Auxiliary, Club Recreativo Mexico Bello, Houston, Texas, clippings,
December 8, 1935
1
6
Original Membership Lists of Mutualist Benito Juarez made by Feliciano Chairez
1919?; Membership applications
1
7
Identification Information on Chairez photos MSS 94-1-3, 6-7, 9.
1
8
Information on Chairez photos MSS 94-4 of Singing and Dancing Group from Magnolia Park,
1928
General note
Taken by Murillo.
1
9
Information on Chairez photo MSS 94-5 of La Orquesta Tipica Torres and musical scores,
1928
General note
Photo taken by Murillo; musical scores are xeroxes.
1
10
Information on photo MSS 94-13 of Rice Institute Graduation,
1928, and on photos MSS 94-15-16 of Mr. And Mrs. Francisco Chairez
1
11
Information on photos MSS 94-14 of Rice Graduate Francisco Chairez,
1928
1
12
Information on photos MSS 94-10-12, Club Mexico Bello,
1930's
1
13
Information on Albino Torres,
1920's, Memorias de Juaquin Lorenzo Perez and Maria C. Puente; Identification data re photo MSS 94-8,
1928
1
14
Photographs MSS 94-1-9
MSS 94-1
Members of Benito Juarez Mutual Aid Society Soliciting New Members near Pasadena Strawberry Fields,
1921
MSS 94-2
Benito Juarez Mutual Aid Society Members at Salon Juarez on Navigation Blvd., Houston,
1920's
MSS 94-3
Youngsters at Hidalgo Park, Magnolia Park, on Opening Day,
1930's
MSS 94-4
Singing and Dancing Group from Magnolia Park,
1928
MSS 94-5
Orquesta Tipica Torres,
1928
MSS 94-6
Orquesta Tipica Torres and Singing and Dancing Group from Magnolia Park,
1928
MSS 94-7
Orquesta Tipica Torres and Singing and Dancing Group from Magnolia Park,
1928
MSS 94-8
Orquesta Tipica Torres and Singing and Dancing Group from Magnolia Park,
1928
MSS 94-9
Drama Group and Tipica of Magnolia Park,
1930's
1
15
Photographs MSS 94-10-17
MSS 94-10
Club Cultural Recreativo Mexico Bello,
1932
MSS 94-10
Club Cultural Recreativo Mexico Bello,
1932
MSS 94-11
Club Cultural Recreativo Mexico Bello,
1934
MSS 94-12
Club Cultural Recreativo Mexico Bello,
1935
MSS 94-13
Rice Institute Graduation,
1928
MSS 94-14
Francisco Chairez, Rice Graduate,
1928
MSS 94-15
Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Chairez,
1978
MSS 94-16
Rice University Anniversary Celebration,
1928-1978
MSS 94-17
Francisco Chairez receives Award of Merit,
1963
1
16
Mexico Bello Scrapbook,
1930's
General note
Original and Xerox copy.
1
17
Benito Juarez Mutual Aid Society Certificates; Musical Scores of "Palabras de Amor" by M. P. Fraga,
1924; "Carta de Amor" by Alfonso E. Oteo; "Silenciosomente...Cancion" by A. Esparza Oteo,
1920's
General note
2 Certificates, "Silenciosomente...Cancion" is handwritten.
1
1
"Evangelina" by M.P. Fraga, Musical Score, Houston, Texas,
1920's?
General note
Handwritten.
1
2
Teatro Salon Del Campo, Baytown, Texas, Music, Drama, and Dance Performance Flyer
1929
1
3
Magnolia Park School Certificate of Maria Chairez,
1923
1
4
Cinco De Mayo Celebration Flyer, Houston, Texas,
1935
General note
This item has been removed to MSS 278, the Mexican American Over-Sized Collection, as item #1.
1
5
La Prensa (San Antonio Newspaper),
July 21, 1928
General note
This item has been removed to MSS 278, the Mexican American Over-Sized Collection, as item #2.