HISTORY ON TAP
Join The Heritage Society’s free Community Outreach Program for adults: a monthly lecture series at New Magnolia Brewing Co, located at 1616 Bevis Street. Every second Thursday of the month, expert speakers bring Houston’s rich history and culture to life in a relaxed brewery setting. Mingle with fellow history enthusiasts, enjoy craft brews, and deepen your connection to the city you love.
🍻 History on Tap with Author Sandra Lord
The [Almost] End of the Allen Family and the Fight for Market Square
Thursday, October 8, 2026 6:30 - 7:30 PM
New Magnolia Brewing Co. 1616 Bevis Street, Houston, TX 77008
Join The Heritage Society on Thursday, October 8 for an engaging evening of Houston history with acclaimed author and historian Sandra Lord, whose captivating presentation reveals a little-known chapter in the story of Houston's founding family and one of the city's most beloved public spaces.
Drawing from her award-winning book, Ghosts of Houston's Market Square Park, Lord will explore "The [Almost] End of the Allen Family," uncovering how today's Market Square Park nearly became the site of a 1950s hotel complete with underground parking instead of the vibrant downtown gathering place Houstonians enjoy today.
Houston was founded in 1836 by brothers Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen, two of six Allen brothers who eventually invested in the growing city. In 1837, the Allen Brothers donated Market Square to the City of Houston, where it served as the location of the city's first four city halls. After Houston's government offices relocated in 1939 and the nearly vacant fourth city hall was repurposed for a for-profit bus operation, descendants of the Allen family filed a $1 million lawsuit seeking to reclaim the property.
The city ultimately prevailed in the legal battle, preserving Market Square for future generations. However, the controversy took a dramatic turn when one of the last surviving grandchildren of Augustus Allen was murdered during the dispute, creating a compelling story of family legacy, civic preservation, and Houston history that few residents know today.
Lord's presentation is based on extensive research conducted at the Houston Public Library's historic Ideson Building and featured in Ghosts of Houston's Market Square Park, which she co-authored with Debe Branning, a writer and paranormal investigator from Phoenix, Arizona. The book received the prestigious Julia Ideson Award from the Friends of the Texas Room in recognition of its outstanding historical research.
Guests will have the opportunity to purchase autographed copies of Ghosts of Houston's Market Square Park during the event. The book is also available through The Heritage Society’s online store.
🎙️ About the Speaker
Sandra Lord is an award-winning Houston author, historian, and speaker specializing in Texas history, true crime, and paranormal research. Her work combines meticulous archival investigation with engaging storytelling, bringing forgotten chapters of Houston's past to life for modern audiences.
🍺 Venue & Atmosphere
Enjoy an evening of history, conversation, and community at New Magnolia Brewing Co., where craft beer and storytelling come together in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
📅 Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM Location: New Magnolia Brewing Co., 1616 Bevis Street, Houston, TX 77008 Admission: Free and open to the public
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