French-Galvan House

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Marker No: 2059

Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker 

Texas Historic Landmark

Geographic: 27.806000,-97.395042

Location: Heritage Park, 1513 North Chaparrel, Corpus Christi

Marker Text: Originally located at the corner of Waco and Comanche Streets, this colonial revival home was built in 1907-08 for the family of Asa Milton and Frances Garrett French. A.M. French (1850-1936), a native of New Hampshire, was a surveyor and civil engineer. He settled in Corpus Christi in 1882 after working on the construction of the Texas-Mexican railroad and became an active civic leader.
     The home was acquired by Rafael Galvan (1887-1966) in 1942. Galvan was a Corpus Christi policeman for 20 years and was a founder and charter member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). A prominent businessman as well, he also opened a popular ballroom. The home remained in the Galvan family for 40 years.
​    The french galvan house is a two-story structure with a wraparound gallery on each floor. The first story boasts ionic columns. The central dormer on the hipped roof features a Palladian window and is surrounded by a balustrade. The classical ionic order is also featured at the front entryway. The Corpus Christi landmark was moved to this site in 1983. (1986)