Eastside Promise Neighborhood in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

G.J. Sutton

(June 22, 1909 – June 22, 1976)

Photographed by James Hulse, April 20, 2024

1. G.J. Sutton Marker

Inscription. Garlington Jerome (G.J.) Sutton was born on San Antonio's east side. He attended Wiley College in Marshall before earning his bachelor of science degree from Wilberforce University and then a mortuary science degree from Cincinnati College. In 1938, hе returned home to work at the family business, Sutton and Sutton Funeral Home. Sutton's first elected position came in 1948, when he became a member of the board of trustees of the San Antonio Union Junior College District. In 1949, he co-founded the Snap Newspaper with Eugene Coleman, Rev. Claude Black Jr. and Bernard Adams. Sutton and his family played an important role in civil rights in San Antonio during the 1960s, including participating in sit-ins at local department stores and restaurants, succeeding in 1965 with a local anti-discrimination ordinance. After redistricting in 1972, he became the first representative of District 57-E and the first African American from San Antonio elected to the state legislature. He was also chosen to be chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus.

In the 1970s, Sutton noticed the decline of the St. Paul Square neighborhood and the SAMSCO (San Antonio Machine & Supply Co.) complex. In an effort to create jobs and revitalize the area, Sutton championed acquisition of the SAMSCO property for use as state office space. Despite opposition, the state purchased the former SAMSCO complex in 1975. It was an early example of a state-owned office building outside Austin and state-coordinated adaptive reuse of a historic building. Sutton died the following year, but his legacy continued. His widow, Lou Nelle Sutton (1905-1994), was elected to fill his seat, and the state renovated the complex and named it in his honor in 1982. The complex housed state offices for almost 30 years. Sutton is remembered as a champion of civil rights

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and of the people of San Antonio and Texas.

Erected 2020 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 22812.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.

Location. 29° 25.353′ N, 98° 28.579′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in the Eastside Promise Neighborhood. It is at the intersection of Center Street and North Cherry Street, on the left when traveling east on Center Street. The marker is located at the northwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Center St, San Antonio TX 78202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

Photographed by James Hulse, April 20, 2024

2. G.J. Sutton Marker

within walking distance of this marker: St. Paul United Methodist Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Steam Locomotive No. 794 (about 700 feet away); Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive No. 794 (about 800 feet away); The Spire (about 800 feet away); Southern Pacific Passenger & Freight Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Cameo Theater (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Beacon Light Lodge Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Ellis Alley Enclave (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Also see . . . Sutton, Garlington Jerome (1909–1976). Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on April 21, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the G.J. Sutton Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 20, 2024

3. The view of the G.J. Sutton Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 497 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 21, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.