The estate was built in 1917 by John H. Shary, also known as the father of the Texas Citrus Industry, pioneer
developer of the Rio Grande Valley and of the Intercoastal Canal. In addition to the spacious residence, in which
President Eisenhower was a guest in 1953, there is the lovely Shary Memorial Chapel, where Mr. and Mrs. John
Shary are buried.
The park surrounding the chapel is a fitting memorial to the Father of the Texas Citrus Industry. The home later
became the Valley residence of Governor Allen
Shivers and Mrs. Shivers, who was the daughter of the Shary’s.
The Shary-Shivers estate has now been given to the University of Texas Pan-American and is open to the public
at specific times.
For information call (956) 381-3361.
220 E. 9th St.
Mission, Texas 78572
1-800-580-2700
(956) 585-2727
www.missionchamber.com
