Governor Clements’ Original Childhood Highland Park Home

3633 Maplewood Avenue, Dallas, Texas

In Highland Park, 3633 Maplewood Avenue was constructed in 1916 as the home of William Perry Clements (1883-1972) and Evelyn (née Cammack) Clements (1882-1980), and the childhood home of Bill Clements, the future Governor of Texas. William, who hailed from Forney, Texas, was a farmer, rancher, and successful automobile business owner. This historic home has special significance since their son, William Jr. (Bill), was born in the house on April 13, 1917, and later became the 42nd and 44th governor of Texas. The family faced financial struggles during the Great Depression and relocated to a small two-bedroom cottage on Normandy Avenue in University Park when Bill was seven years old.

Initially, the Arts and Crafts house was a Foursquare with elements of Spanish architecture. It was one of the first homes built in Dallas by the Russell Brown Company, which erected numerous other residences along Swiss Avenue and in Old Highland Park between 1916 and the early 1920s. The house underwent several renovations during its lifetime, incorporating additional Spanish Revival features such as an arched entrance below an engaged balcony and corbeled arches on the right side of the house, resulting in a stunning and unified design.

In 1989, a historical marker was erected in front of the house to honor Governor Clements’ birthplace. The Clements family still has a strong presence in Highland Park.