Clara Driscoll (philanthropist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clara Driscoll
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Clara Driscoll circa 1913
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| Born | April 2, 1881 St. Mary's of Aransas, Texas, US
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| Died | July 17, 1945 (aged 64) Corpus Christi, Texas, US
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| Occupation | Philanthropist, historic preservationist, businesswoman |
| Known for | Saving the Alamo |
| Spouse(s) | Henry Hulme Sevier (1906–1937) |
| Parent(s) | Robert Driscoll Sr. Catherine McGrath Duggan Driscoll |
Clara Driscoll (born April 2, 1881, died July 17, 1945) was a remarkable woman from Texas. She is famously known as the "Savior of the Alamo" because of her tireless efforts to protect and preserve this important historical site. Clara was a philanthropist, meaning she generously donated her time and money to good causes. She was also a successful businesswoman and a historic preservationist, dedicated to keeping history alive for future generations. Her actions ensured that the Alamo, a symbol of Texas courage, would stand strong for everyone to visit and learn from.
Contents
Clara Driscoll: The Hero Who Saved the Alamo
Early Life and Family Roots
Clara Driscoll was born on April 2, 1881, in St. Mary's of Aransas, Texas. Her family had deep roots in Texas history. Her grandfather, Daniel O'Driscoll, came from Ireland and was a hero in the Battle of San Jacinto, a key event in Texas's fight for independence. For his bravery, he received a large amount of land in Texas.
Clara's father, Robert Driscoll Sr., and his brother Jeremiah, continued to build on the family's success. They expanded their businesses in Nueces County, Texas, helping the region grow. Clara also had an older brother, Robert Driscoll Jr. The Driscoll family became well-known and respected throughout Texas.
Education and Creative Pursuits
Clara received an excellent education, attending private schools in San Antonio and New York City. She also studied at a finishing school in France, called Château de Dieudonne. Because of her studies, Clara became fluent in four different languages!
Beyond her studies, Clara had a creative side. In 1905, she published a book called The Girl of La Gloria. The next year, in 1906, she released another book, In the Shadow of the Alamo. She even helped create and finance a musical play called Mexicana. This show was performed in New York City and was quite popular, with many important people from Texas attending.
A Special Home: Laguna Gloria
In 1906, Clara married Henry Hulme Sevier. After their honeymoon in Europe, they lived on Long Island for a while. When Clara's father passed away in 1914, the Seviers moved back to Texas to help manage the family's businesses.
Henry wanted to create a special place for Clara, reminding her of the beautiful Lake Como in Italy. So, in 1915, they bought land on Lake Austin near Austin. They named their new estate Laguna Gloria. Clara personally oversaw the design and building of their large, beautiful mansion. It became a famous place where they hosted guests from all over the world.
Clara was known for her strong personality and her love for Mexican and Spanish songs. She was a very active and engaging person. Later, after her brother passed away in 1929, Clara took on even more responsibility, managing the family's businesses and becoming president of the Corpus Christi Bank and Trust Company. Clara and Henry eventually decided to live separately, and their marriage ended in 1937. They did not have any children.
Protecting the Alamo: A Texas Treasure
Clara Driscoll is most famous for her incredible work to save the Alamo. When she returned to San Antonio in 1898, she was worried about the condition of the historic site. She felt that buildings around it made it hard to appreciate the Alamo's importance.
The Fight to Preserve History
At that time, the State of Texas owned the Alamo's chapel, but not the "long barracks" building next to it. This barracks building was owned by a group of grocers. In 1903, Clara joined forces with Adina Emilia De Zavala and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Clara used a large amount of her own money, $75,000, to buy the long barracks. This was a huge step towards saving the entire site!
In 1905, the Texas government officially approved funding to preserve the Alamo. They paid Clara back, and the entire Alamo property was given to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to care for.
However, there was a disagreement about what to do with the long barracks. Clara thought it should be removed to create a park, believing it wasn't part of the original mission. But Adina De Zavala strongly believed the long barracks was an original part of the Alamo and where much of the famous battle happened. She even stood inside the building to protect it! Later, during restoration work, evidence was found that proved Adina was right – the long barracks was indeed an original part of the Alamo.
Clara continued to champion the Alamo throughout her life. In 1931, she again contributed $70,000 to help the state buy more land around the shrine. She also successfully prevented city plans that would have negatively impacted the Alamo's surroundings. As president of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in 1936, she helped organize the Centennial celebrations for the Alamo. When Clara passed away in 1945, her body was honored by lying in state in the Alamo chapel, a testament to her lasting legacy.
Helping Her Community and Texas
Clara Driscoll was also very involved in politics, serving as a national committeewoman for the Democratic party from Texas for many years. She used her influence to support leaders and help her state.
She was also a generous philanthropist. In 1939, Clara donated $92,000 to the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs, helping them pay off debts for their headquarters. In honor of her generosity, October 4, 1939, was declared "Clara Driscoll Day" in Austin.
To honor her brother, Robert Driscoll Jr., Clara built the Hotel Robert Driscoll in Corpus Christi. It opened in 1942, and Clara even had a special penthouse suite there. Today, this building is known as the Wells Fargo Building. In 1943, she also donated her beloved Laguna Gloria estate and a gift of $5,000 to the Texas Fine Arts Association.
Remembering Clara Driscoll
Clara Driscoll's dedication to Texas history is remembered in many ways. A special plaque inside the Long Barrack at the Alamo honors her, recognizing her vital role in saving the site.
Two Texas Historical Markers also commemorate her life. One marker is in front of the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs building in Austin, placed there in 1967 as part of a series honoring outstanding women of Texas. Another marker is at the site of the Driscoll family mausoleum in the Alamo Masonic Cemetery in San Antonio, placed in 1978. These markers ensure that future generations will always remember Clara Driscoll's incredible contributions.
See also
