The Cradle, Texas
| The Cradle | |
|---|---|
 The Cradle in 2012 | |
General information | |
| Status | Active |
| Type | Law office Law library Clubhouse |
Architectural style | Victorian |
| Location | 2902 Avenue O ½ Galveston, Texas, U.S. |
| Owner | Ballinger family (former) Daughters of the Republic of Texas (current) |
The Cradle is a historic Victorian law office and library on Galveston Island in Galveston, Texas, that was the birthplace of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. It is operated as a museum by the Sidney Sherman Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
History
The Cradle was built on Galveston Island in 1857 by Judge William Pitt Ballinger on the grounds of his Southern Colonial estate, known as The Oaks, and served as his private law office and later as the Ballinger family's library.[1][2] The building, done in the Victorian style, consists of two rooms divided by a wall, two front doors, a small iron heater, four large windows, and a large bay window.[1][3]
In 1891, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas was founded in the building by two members of the Ballinger family: Betty Eve Ballinger and Hally Ballinger Bryan Perry.[4] Perry renamed the building "The Cradle" in 1936.[1] The Galveston chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, named the Sidney Sherman Chapter, was established as the first chapter of the society and was headquartered in the building.[2]
A historical marker was placed on the grounds in 1962 by the Texas Historical Commission.[3]
The Cradle underwent restoration between 1993 and 1995 and was furnished with antiques to reflect its original 1800s interiors.[2]
The Sidney Sherman DRT Chapter operates the building as a museum and provides private tours, made by appointment.[2][5]
References
- 1 2 3 "It almost didn't make it". Sidney Sherman Chapter #1. Galveston, Texas: Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Holt, Jo Ann (July 5, 2019). "The Cradle: Birthplace of Daughters of the Republic of Texas". Texas Hill Country. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
- 1 2 "The Cradle". Galveston.com. Galveston, Texas. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
- ↑ Rash, Mrs. Grady, Jr. (1952). "Daughters of the Republic of Texas: A Legacy of Heritage and History". Texas State Historical Association. Austin, Texas. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ Eastburn, Kathryn (March 24, 2023). "Hands that rock The Cradle: Stewards care for a small island building with a big Texas history". Coast Monthly. Retrieved August 13, 2026.