Finances and Wealth

Money and Finances

Ursula Lauderdale’s family was relatively well off, giving Lauderdale a stable financial foundation throughout her lifetime. Her father built his wealth through his successful grocery business, and he and Lauderdale’s mother used that income to purchase homes in both Oklahoma City and Fort Worth. When both her parents eventually passed away, her mother being the second in March 1929, Ursula became the rightful owner of both properties in conjunction with her husband, Edward Lauderdale. While it is unclear what happened to these properties, we do know that the family unit was reasonably wealthy, particularly for not having children. As of April 1929, before Ursula inherited what remained of her parents’ wealth, she and Ed had around $40,000 in savings. She also did well with the sale of her art.

Page 1 of 2 of a legal affidavit written by family friend John Wray. Wray affirms that Ursula Lauderdale was the sole descendent of L. H. and S. E. Hall.

Page 2 of 2 of a legal affidavit written by family friend John Wray. Wray affirms that Ursula Lauderdale was due to receive specific lots in Academy Heights (Dallas, Tex.) and Volz Addition (Oklahoma City, Okla.) as part of her inheritance.

A letter from San Antonio lawyer Hugh Umphreys that came with a payment of $100, one of seven payments for a piece of Ursula Lauderdale’s work. His wife, Grace Earl, may have known Ursula earlier in life.

In 1927, a position was created for Ursula Lauderdale in the Art Department by the Board of Trustees. No salary information was provided in the document, but an instructor in the Spanish Department was paid $1,125 for the school year.

Lauderdale either lived in or inherited a number of lots and homes throughout the Dallas area. Using the street views linked in each photo's caption, take a walk around some of the neighborhoods she dipped her toes in.

To walk around the neighborhood, click this link and then drag the yellow street view man onto the map near the red pointer.

This document lists Ursula and Ed Lauderdale‘s real estate assets and personal property information (including net worth) at the time of their divorce in 1929.