Week 1: Meet the Staiti Family

1905 Staiti house. The Staiti House was moved into Sam Houston Park in 1986.

August 4, 2026

One of the collections maintained by The Heritage Society is a treasure trove of photographs kindly donated by descendants of the Staitis, whose home we preserve within the park. These photos document daily life for the Staiti Family, including their travels. In the process of researching these photos, I have identified the locations of some. These specific photographs are from a trip to New York City, Toronto, and what appears to be Niagara Falls. They feature four Staitis: Henry Thomas Staiti, his wife Odelia Reisner Staiti, and her sisters Anna Leah Reisner Staiti, and Gladys Reisner Klentzman. Henry Thomas Staiti and Odelia Reisner Staiti lived in the Staiti home and were frequently visited by Odelia’s sisters.

Left to RIGHT: Henry Thomas Staiti; Odelia Reisner Staiti; Gladys Klentzman; Anna Leah Reisner Staiti

I believe these photos date to sometime in the 1910s, as 1910 is the youngest date of construction for any of their locations. Next week, we will explore photos of their travels.

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