A Past with a Present for the Future
The Argyle is devoted exclusively to the support of the life-saving efforts of the Texas Biomedical Research Institute. It serves as a bond between the independent research institution and those who give time and money to support it.
Originally built in 1854 as the headquarters of a horse ranch which extended from down-town San Antonio to the town of Boerne, some 30 miles distant, it was an outpost of Texas hospitality. Lavish entertainment was the rule, and visiting celebrities, including Robert E. Lee, traditionally stayed at The Argyle. During the War Between the States, The Argyle served a grimmer purpose as an arsenal.
Through a succession of owners, it epitomized the pleasant ways and good living of the storied South. It was purchased in 1884 by two Scotsmen, who added the third floor and opened a hotel, which they named Argyle because the rolling hills of the section reminded them of their native hills of Scotland.
It was a happy event that The Argyle came into the capable hands of the fabulous Miss Alice O’Grady around the turn of the century. The Argyle was legendary throughout the world for its fine table and illustrious guests.
Today, after restoration in 1956, The Argyle stands as a symbol, both of its rich past and of progress toward a better tomorrow for mankind. It is performing a unique and important new function, serving as a bond between a fine research institution and those who give time and money to support it. Formed among persons deeply interested in The Texas Biomedical Research Institute, it is a meeting place for the men and women of science and the men and women who have dedicated personal resources for the advancement of this Institution.
Eight miles west of San Antonio, The Texas Biomedical Research Institute is performing significant, basic, biomedical research to improve man’s health and well-being through the conquest of disease. Together with Southwest Research Institute, the combined institutions constitute a great scientific center.
The Institute has made important contributions in the fight against disease, working in such fields as cancer, heart disease, sterility, endocrinology, microbiology, virology, biochemistry and mental retardation.
Grants-in-aid have been and are being received from such sources as The National Institutes of Health, Texas Heart Association and Foundations interested in its medical research programs. These agencies make their grants-in-aid only for part of the cost of specific research projects. To continue to receive such grants-in-aid, The Institute must underwrite outstanding personnel and facilities and it must be able to take care of its own general expense. This independent stature comes only from private philanthropy. Those individuals who support The Institute have the satisfaction of knowing that each dollar contributed is matched by nine dollars of grants-in-aid from the national agencies.
In furtherance of this basic proposition, The Argyle finds its very reason for being.