Celaya-Creager House

In terms of architecture, the two-story house is a fine example of Classical architecture with elements of the Colonial style as well. Built with yellow brick, the house features porches on both floors that wrap around three sides of the building, a large and curved two-story portico on the southwestern side with Ionic columns, and a "widow's walk" on the roof.

Jose's father, Simon Celaya, was born in Spain and arrived in Brownsville in 1850. He became a successful capitalist and the president of the Rio Grande Railroad Company. Jose served as secretary and treasurer of the company. He also served as County Commissioner and several other important local positions including as director of the Texas Bank and Trust Company. Serafina's father, Jose Fernandez, was also a native of Spain and became a prosperous merchant. It is not clear when she and Jose (Celaya) were married, but they completed work on this house in 1912 and lived here until 1924 when Rentfro Creager bought it.

Creager was born on March 11, 1877 in Waco, Texas. He graduated from Southwestern University in 1898 with a B.S. degree and then attended the University of Texas-Austin where he earned a law degree in 1900. He opened a law practice in Brownsville. In the coming years, Creager's stature grew as he got into business and politics. He was the collector customs for several years before running for governor as a Republican in 1916. In 1923, Creager was elected Texas' representative on the Republic National Committee and remained in this position for the rest of his life. In 1920, he gave the speech endorsing presidential nominee Warren G. Harding at the Republican National Convention. After Harding won the election, he visited Creager at this house before the inauguration. Creager later played a large role in helping Herbert Hoover become the Republican presidential nominee in 1928, and he also helped Alfred Landon to become the Republican nominee for governor in 1936.

Creager was involved with many local activities in Brownsville as well. He served on civic boards, and was an active member in the Episcopal community. He also owned a farm and citrus orchard. He and his wife, Alice, moved out of the house not long before he died on October 28, 1950. Alice continued to run the farm and orchard, and she also participated in local civic and philanthropic activities. It is unclear when she passed away. The house began being used as office space starting in the 1980s.

"Celaya Building." The Historical Marker Database. Accessed September 28, 2020. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=119397.

Lund, Mark. "Celaya-Creager House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. May 5, 1988. https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/40971466/content/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_TX/88000523.pdf.

Paul D. Casdorph. “Creager, Rentfro Banton.” Handbook of Texas Online. Accessed September 28, 2020. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/creager-rentfro-banton.