Unveiling the Secrets of Odessa’s Oldest House: A Journey Through Time

If you are from Odessa you know almost everything about the oilfield town. I remember when  Music City Mall had a Mervyns and glamour shot studio, even when Kmart was on the corner of 42nd and Grandview.

It's always nice to reminisce about what was and the exciting new changes to the city. All native Odessans have heard of or passed the Historic White-Pool House in South Odessa but did you know that it is the oldest building still standing in Odessa?

Get our free mobile app

CHARLES AND LUCY WHITE

The house was built in 1887 by Charles and Lucy White. Part of the Quaker family, the Whites, and their two sons came to Ector County after their grain business went bankrupt. Charles also wanted to move Lucy to Odessa because it was advertised as a health spa by the railroad company.

OSO POOL

When Charles died on June 14, 190, after complications from getting kicked by a horse, Lucy moved with her son to Mineral Wells, Texas. The house ownership changed often until Oso Pool obtained it in 1923. When oil was discovered in Odessa in 1926 there was an influx of people coming to the area. Oso saw an opportunity to make extra money and turned the house into an apartment building.

After almost 50 years, Oso Pool donated the house to Ector County for its historical preservation. The Ector County Commissioners Court accepted the donation on June 12, 1978. In 1986 The White-Pool House Friends was created for charitable and educational purposes to preserve the house. 

If you would like to set up a tour or plan an event at this beautiful historic house visit Whitepoolhouse.com.