Anselmo M. Longoria

Undated image of Anselmo M. Longoria

Anselmo M. Longoria (1894–1936) was born in Los Cuates, Mexico outside Matamoros. His parents, Alejandro and Estefana (Martinez) were listed as living in Brownsville in the 1900 US Census along with their three daughters (Louisa, Mathilde, and Estefana) and three sons (Guillermo, Anselmo and Alejandro, Jr.). The older children were listed as already working (day laborers and needlework) while the younger children's occupations were listed as school.

When he came of age, Longoria went to work for his cousin, Francisco G. Longoria, a local building contractor. Later he moved to McAllen and went to work for M.R. Nelson Construction Company and by 1917 he was made foreman.

Longoria married Ofelia Montalvo in 1918. He continued working for Nelson and pursued a formal education in building, earning a degree at Chicago Technical College before venturing out on his own in 1923.

Gutierrez & Austin Building

Gutierrez and Austin Commercial Building was located at 500 block of Conway Blvd. in Mission, TX. Anselmo M. Longoria constructed a single-story brick building in 1925 to house the general mercantile operations of Gutierrez and Austin. It was just one block away from Dr. J.J. Austin's office and was one of a few commercial buildings constructed for the prominent Mission family in the early 20th century. During WWII, the store was run by Emilia Austin Guiterrez and remained a busy place for shpping for scarce goods in wartime.

Gutierrez & Austin Commercial Building

Gutierrez & Austin Commercial Building built 1925

Gutierrez and Austin Building (Mission, TX)

Gutierrez & Austin Commercial Building (1997). Texas Historic Commission, Historic Property, Photograph 4516-03

C. G. de la Garza Building

Longoria constructed a second store for local grocer Don Carlos G. de la Garza previously located 716 Lomita Boulevard (razed in 1997). According to the Historic and Architectural Resources of Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas (1998),  “After several successful years, de la Garza built a larger masonry store and warehouse at a more central location adjacent to the railroad tracks at 716 Lomita Boulevard (razed in 1997). A major employer of Hispanic clerks and delivery men, Don Carlos was highly respected within South Mission's social and political structure.”

C. G. de la Garza Grocery and Dry Good Store

C. G. de la Garza Grocery and Dry Good Store

Don Carlos G. de la Garza Building

C. G. de la Garza Store (1997). Texas Historic Commission, Historic Property, Photograph 4515-08.

Polygonal Wall Design

In 1931, Longoria submitted an application to patent a building design based on an ancient technique for polygonal masonry, but his design was applied to the modern bungalow. The application described rooms layed out as irregular polygons to create a more space design that allowed "the convenience of ample light and ventilation."

Certified drawing of patented polygonal wall building

Certified drawing of patented polygonal wall structure.

Additional Resources

"About Anselmo M. Longoria." Pistil Consortia Boutique Architecture (website).

Anselmo M. Longoria. (1934). CA338625 (A) Building Patent. European Patent Office, Espacenet.

Historic and Architectural Resources of Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas. (1998). National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form.

Lomita Boulevard Commercial Historic District, Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas. (1998). National Register of Historic Places Registration Form.

Anselmo M. Longoria