Historical Cultural Landmarks

LITTLES-MARTIN HOUSE - HERITAGE PARK
1519 NORTH CHAPARRAL STREET

Hattie Moore Littles is believed to have been one of the first black natives of Corpus Christi. In 1915, she and her husband, Willis, employed by John G. Kenedy, a rancher, and were baptized the first black Catholics of Corpus Christi. John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy were their godparents. Hattie and Willis were employed by many prominent families in Corpus Christi. When the Littles retired, the Kenedys gave them this house. Its original site is unknown, but it was moved to North Staples Street around 1918. The Littles' daughter, Mary Belle Littles-Martin, taught piano in the home for many years and lived there until her death in 1983. At that time, the house had been in her family for over 60 years. The house was moved to its current site in Heritage Park in 1986 and restored by the National Association of Colored People (NAACP) to serve as its Corpus Christi headquarters. The front rooms contain period furnishings and exhibits on Black history. The fireplace mantle is carved from Tigerwood, commonly know as "Nigerian Walnut", which is native to West Africa. The front door is hand-carved pine. The beveled wood siding, hip roof with projecting gable and chamfered bay suggest Queen Anne Victorian Cottage architecture. Decorative features include shingles on the facade between the windows and roofline and a small window in the gable. The primary objectives of the NAACP are to ensure that all civil rights provisions are upheld for all people, regardless of race, gender, age or creed, and to provide legal services when a civil right has been violated. The local chapter is also involved in educational, medical and employment awareness programs for community residents.

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