Book Smart

Building a billionaire habitat: River Oaks' real history and hidden stories are revealed

It's difficult to imagine today that posh River Oaks was once considered a country outpost by sophisticated Houstonians. But historian Ann Dunphy Becker presents exactly that image as she traces the rich metamorphosis of one of the nation's most regaled neighborhoods from wooded hinterland to billionaire habitat in her book Images of America: Houston's River Oaks.

Commissioned by Arcadia Publishing, the 128-page picture book offers a rich and entertaining, as well as informative, look at the growth of the swank subdivision through the efforts of bold entrepreneurs who went to work in the early 1920s to build a stunning country club and 18-hole golf course. Soon after, Will and Mike Hogg, brothers of Ima Hogg (Bayou Bend Collection), purchased 1,100 surrounding acres and began plotting homesites in the carefully-planned development.

We love the photo of Alfred Glassell Jr. and John H. Blaffer toasting at the Roman toga party in 1959.

Working with Realtor George Murray, Becker gently traces the area's growth through archival photos and anecdotes provided by lifelong River Oaks residents. The book, which covers the period from 1923 to 1970, serves as something of a companion piece to Becker's first history, Images of America: Houston 1860-1990.

The book is peppered with lore and photos from founding families including those of Neuhaus, Cullen, Masterson, Blaffer, Fondren and Trammell. We loved the photo of costumed Alfred Glassell Jr. and John H. Blaffer toasting at the Roman toga party in 1959 celebrating Joanne King's (Herring) 30th birthday. Likewise, the photo of gallery owner Franny Koelsch in her christening gown in 1968.

The most entertaining photos come from the '20s with the early images of the River Oaks Country Club golf course, River Oaks Boulevard and portraits of the gents who built it all. Moving forward to the 1930s, the photo of Clark Gable and his then-wife Maria Lucas (they were married for nine years) at her daughter's wedding in Houston is a show-stopper. As a wedding gift, Gable gave his stepdaughter and her groom, Dr. Thomas Burke, a lot in River Oaks for their new home.

When not researching Houston history, the author runs Becker's Books on Westview, where she specializes in used, out-of-print and rare books. In addition to books in the shop, Becker boasts 400,000 titles stored in a warehouse.

The book cover features a view of River Oaks Boulevard for which John F. Staub designed the stucco columns.

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Giving Power

Country chords hit the right notes for Houston charity's fundraiser

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Hallie Vanderhider, Farida Abjani, Brigitte Kalai, and Alicia Smith.

The third annual Leaders and Legends for Mission of Yahweh once again proved that Houston’s heart beats loudest when community calls. On September 26, more than 430 supporters filled the Post Oak Hotel ballroom for an evening that raised a record-breaking $650,000 to support women and children in need.

Chairs Leila Perrin, Beth Wolff, and Cynthia Wolff led the charge, joined by emcees Frank Billingsley and Ernie Manouse, who kept the evening flowing with warmth and wit. Honorary chairs Jody Merrit and Christine Johnson rounded out the leadership, lending presence and polish to the evening.

The night’s honorees — Nichole and Benny Agosto Jr., Rose Cullen, Sidney Faust, and Winell Herron — received heartfelt tributes through videos produced by FireFox Video, each highlighting their passion and commitment to the cause. Helen Gay, daughter of the founder, took the stage with a poignant story about a young boy named Carter whose life was changed by the organization’s programs.

Rounding out the program, Johnny Bravo took the mic for the live auction, stirring up excitement for big-ticket items like earrings from Nini Jewelry and a once-in-a-lifetime trip with the Houston Texans, described onstage by Joanna Marks, that sent paddles flying.

As the night carried on, Nashville songwriters Phillip White, Brice Long, and Marla Cannon-Goodman brought a touch of country soul, strumming guitars and swapping stories behind hits written for legends like Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and Chris Stapleton.

The Mission of Yahweh continues its work expanding housing for women and children, many arriving with only the clothes on their backs.

Spotted were Samantha Kennedy, Warner Roberts, Larry Martin, Kari Work, Glenda Haynes, John Work, Robin and Danny Klaes, Janelle and Greg Reid, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Kirk Kventon and Daniel Irion, Alicia Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, Jane-Page Crump, Mark Haas and Monica Hartland, Lori and Todd King, Susan and Henri Soussan, Nini Hale, Sylvia Forsythe, Pam and Ron Sterlekar, Regina Rogers, and Joanna Marks.

Mission of Yahweh Leaders and Legends 2025