The Gross House

I just read in The North Texan (“Dear North Texan,” winter 2010) about the Gross House. In 1943, my mother, Gladys Renfro (’43), and I lived in the house on the lower floor and ate all our meals there.

My mother had come back to the college to finish her degree in history and get a teacher’s certificate so she could work while my father served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps.

While my mother was in class, Sonny Blondell, who lived on Hickory Street, and I had the run of the campus. We spent lots of time with Dr. Kingsbury at the college museum. Those were the good old days for an 11-year-old.

I believe the picture showed not only the Gross House, but also the Ad Building, the President’s House, the Science Building and the museum.

Later, from 1950 to 1953, I lived at the Methodist House on Avenue B. I am now a retired United Methodist pastor.

Matty Barrett Renfro (’53)
Austin

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